MANILA, Philippines — Senator Rodante Marcoleta has raised pointed questions over whether the continuing exchange of sharp public statements regarding the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue is actually benefiting the Filipino people, especially amid rising tensions between the Philippines and China.

During a recent discussion, Marcoleta challenged the practicality of what he described as an endless cycle of verbal sparring. He asked whether prolonged “patutsadahan” has resulted in tangible gains for the country, such as improved access for Filipino fishermen or relief from the rising cost of basic goods. In a striking illustration, he questioned if the heated rhetoric had even helped secure “ilang kilong galunggong” from the West Philippine Sea or lowered prices in local markets.

According to the senator, every strong statement released by the Philippine side is quickly met with a response from the Chinese Embassy, creating what he sees as a never-ending exchange of accusations and counterstatements. For Marcoleta, this pattern risks turning diplomacy into mere posturing rather than a tool for concrete progress.

He was quick to clarify that his remarks should not be interpreted as a defense of China. Instead, Marcoleta stressed that his intention is to push for more effective and long-term strategies that would genuinely strengthen the Philippines’ position on sovereignty issues. He emphasized the need to move beyond what he called “megaphone diplomacy” and focus on actions that carry legal, political, and strategic weight.

Among the steps he highlighted was the urgency of formally documenting and clearly defining the West Philippine Sea in official maps and records. For Marcoleta, such institutional and legal measures would do more to solidify the country’s claims than repeated public exchanges that may inflame tensions without delivering results.

His comments have sparked debate, reflecting a broader divide in public discourse: while some believe strong rhetoric is necessary to assert sovereignty and rally national sentiment, others argue that diplomacy should prioritize outcomes over optics. As the Philippines continues to navigate the complex geopolitical realities of the West Philippine Sea, Marcoleta’s remarks leave the public with a critical question to ponder: should national strength be measured by the volume of our statements, or by the concrete gains those statements actually produce for the Filipino people? (Larawan mula: Rodante Marcoleta, Kiko Pangilinan / Facebook; Google)