Philippine Coast Guard Urges Citizens to Vote Out Pro-China Politicians

On Sunday, the Philippine Coast Guard’s top uniformed spokesman, Cdre. Jay Tarriela, made a bold statement on his official social media channel, calling on citizens to vote out politicians who support Chinese expansionism in the South China Sea.

According to Cdre. Tarriela, it is crucial to elect congressional members and senators who stand with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the issue of defending the country’s maritime sovereignty. He emphasized the importance of choosing leaders who prioritize the Philippines’ interests over aligning with China.

China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, which encroach on the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), have been a source of tension between the two nations. The recent deployment of China’s largest coast guard cutter, CCG 5901, just 60 miles off the coast of Luzon, has raised concerns in Manila.

Over the past year, the Philippine Coast Guard has encountered numerous clashes with the China Coast Guard around the Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal. These incidents have highlighted the need for strong leadership to protect Philippine sovereignty in the face of Chinese aggression.

While physical confrontations have decreased in recent months, China’s presence in the region remains militarized, posing a continued threat to Philippine interests. The Marcos administration has accused Beijing of engaging in information warfare and influence campaigns to undermine support for Philippine maritime sovereignty.

In response to these challenges, Cdre. Tarriela urged Filipinos to vote for candidates who prioritize the country’s sovereignty and maritime jurisdiction in the West Philippine EEZ. He emphasized that the outcome of the upcoming election will shape the future for the youth of the nation, determining whether they will have an EEZ they can call their own.

As the Philippines navigates complex geopolitical dynamics in the South China Sea, the role of informed and decisive leadership is more critical than ever. By voting for candidates who prioritize national interests, citizens can contribute to safeguarding Philippine sovereignty in the face of external threats.