Senatorial aspirant and SAGIP Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta asserted that the “West Philippine Sea” (WPS) does not exist, arguing that the term was a creation by the Philippines. His statement came during a House tri-committee hearing on Tuesday, February 4, which focused on the spread of fake news and deepfakes.
In a Manila Bulletin report, Marcoleta emphasized the need to educate Filipinos on the complexities of the South China Sea (SCS) dispute.
“Isipin po natin sir, ha. There is not—there is nothing as [WPS]. Wala po ‘yun, that is a creation by us,” he said during the hearing.
He further pointed out that while the country claims certain areas within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), the broader discussion on the issue has been insufficient.
“Ang [WPS], yun po yung areang kine-claim natin, ito yung exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The complications of the [WPS] has not been explained to our people. Kaya po nagiging vulnerable tayong lahat eh,” he added.
Marcoleta also noted that the Philippines is not the sole claimant of these waters, recognizing that China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Taiwan also lay claims over parts of the region.
His remarks contrast with the prevailing legal and diplomatic position of the Philippine government. Under international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Philippines has a 200-nautical mile EEZ, which includes the WPS. The 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling in The Hague also invalidated China’s sweeping claims over the area and affirmed that certain maritime features—such as Mischief Reef, Second Thomas Shoal, and Reed Bank—belong to the Philippine EEZ.
Despite the legal backing, China continues to assert control over parts of the WPS, constructing artificial islands and limiting Filipino fishing activities. The international community, including the United Nations, the United States, and the European Union, has largely supported the Philippines’ claim, recognizing the tribunal’s decision.
Marcoleta, however, argued that the real issue in the SCS is not territorial ownership but maritime rights under the EEZ.
“Hindi po territory ang issue in the South China Sea. Ang issue dito is our maritime rights, the maritime rights designated by our EEZ,” he stated.
His comments sparked debate, as the term “West Philippine Sea” has been widely used since the administration of the late President Benigno S. Aquino III, who took China to court over its expansive claims.
