By Patrick Tulfo
PRO PHILIPPINES VS. PRO DUTERTE
Senator Rodante Marcoleta once again found himself in controversy after commenting on the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG)
Incredulous as it may seem but the controversial senator recently suggested, during a hearing with members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), that to resolve the conflict between the country and China more easily, the KIG should just be given up. He implied that instead of sacrificing the lives of those caught in the ongoing dispute, discussions would be easier if the Philippines simply gave China what it wanted.
Many people raised their eyebrows at this statement. as it seemed Senator Marcoleta favored letting China take what it wanted and just ending the issue. ( He said later that he was misquoted )
Recently, Senator Robin Padilla made similar statements. and now there is tension between Senator Kiko Pangilinan and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.
Many have noticed that the senators who are allegedly siding with China are allies of former President Duterte.
As a result, many are now saying that aside from the majority and minority faction that we have now at the Senate. We can now also label senators who defend the country’s rights against China as Pro-Philippines, while members of those who allegedy side with China are Pro-Duterte.
These senators should make their stance on the country’s territorial issues clear, which side are they on?
