Fly to Kalayaan islands? Marcoleta wants 'friendly debate' with Tarriela first
By Dhel Nazario
Senator Rodante Marcoleta wants a "friendly debate" first before discussing the invitation to a Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flight to the Kalayaan islands.
Senator Rodante Marcoleta (Senate PRIB photo)
This is in response to the (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Commodore Jay Tarriela's invitation to him on X.
"Bago yun pakisabi niyo kay Commodore Tarriela kasama si Justice Carpio. Sino ba yung professor sa UP? Para sa isang friendly debate bago pa yung pagpunta roon (Before that, please inform Commodore Tarriela along with Justice Carpio. Who is the professor at UP? This is for a friendly debate before going there)," he said.
Marcoleta was referring to Tarriela, University of the Philippines Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea director Jay Batongbacal, and former Associate Justice Antonio Carpio.
In a recent post by Tarriela, he asked Marcoleta to join them in a Maritime Domain MDA flight to the Kalayaan Island Group in the future.
"Para sa ganoon maayos natin para sa kapakanan ng ating bansa (That way, we can ensure it is done properly for the welfare of our country)," Marcoleta added.
In his post, Tarriela said that he's sure Marcoleta is truly a patriotic public servant who can stand for the country's rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), before suggesting that Marcoleta join the MDA flight.
"He does not have to worry; I can arrange it, and I would be happy to join the operation as well. I am sure that the people of Pag-asa will be happy to welcome you, Senator Marcoleta, sir," he added.