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Neil Jayson Servallos - The Philippine Star
March 12, 2026 | 12:00am
Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson,
Senate PRIB
MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson described yesterday as “unsettling” the prospect of a Philippine lawmaker echoing China’s territorial positions, warning of grave implications for national security amid escalating global tensions.
Lacson raised the alarm following his privilege speech on Tuesday, where he presented evidence that statements from Sen. Rodante Marcoleta on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) mirrored narratives posted on the website of China’s ministry of foreign affairs.
“It’s unsettling to say the least. This is national security we’re talking about,” Lacson told reporters.
The Commission on Appointments committee on national defense, meanwhile, yesterday moved to strike the word “satsat” (idle gossip) from its records after Marcoleta used it to describe the public statements of maritime experts.
Spy leak
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard admitted to security lapses after sensitive information from rotation and resupply missions in the WPS was leaked to China.
PCG spokesman for WPS issues R/Adm. Jay Tarriela, assured the public that no highly sensitive national security data had been compromised, noting that leaked information mainly involved resupply operations in previous years.
In another development, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri expressed outrage Tuesday over the loss of a P2.5-billion allocation meant to fund a new offshore vessel for the PCG.
Amid continuing tensions, the Philippines said a proposed Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea must not undermine the rights and interests of other countries.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro made the statement after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said negotiations on the COC had reached a “crunch time.” – Pia Lee-Brago, Andrew Ronquill
