Marcos mocks rep who denies West Philippine Sea

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. responded with humor to Sagip party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta's recent statement that there is no such thing as the West Philippine Sea.

During a joint congressional inquiry on fake news, Marcoleta argued that the concept of the West Philippine Sea was created by the Philippines and does not appear on maps, drawing criticism from supporters of the country's claims under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which were upheld in 2016 by the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

When asked about Marcoleta's remarks, Marcos said he would rib him when they meet and noted that as a candidate seeking to grab headlines ahead of the midterm elections, Marcoleta is merely expressing his opinion.

The Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, called Marcoleta 'a disservice and an embarrassment' to their organization and family.