PCG spox urges voters to back Marcos Jr.'s WPS stance

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela urged voters to choose candidates supportive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s stance on protecting the West Philippine Sea in the upcoming May 12 midterm elections.

Tarriela emphasized that defending the WPS is an issue for all Filipinos, regardless of political affiliations or support for previous administrations, and warned against voting for pro-China candidates who could hinder efforts to modernize the military and acquire new vessels for the Coast Guard.

Commodore Tarriela highlighted in a recent media forum that this election would be crucial as it is the first where Filipinos have a high awareness of the WPS issue.

He stressed that voters should discern which candidates genuinely support the government's efforts to assert the country's sovereign rights and territorial integrity in the disputed waters, noting the potential consequences if those who do not prioritize these issues are elected.

Tarriela warned that it would be 'very hard' for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and PCG to acquire modern assets needed for their respective modernization programs if candidates opposed to WPS priorities gain power in Congress.