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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Lacson: Filipinos should be loyal to Philippines, not other nations

Lacson: Filipinos should be loyal to Philippines, not other nations

Published Mar 12, 2026 02:50 pm

At A Glance

  • In an interview on DZRH Radio, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson reiterated this point as he criticized the pattern of actions of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who earlier questioned the benefits for the Philippines in applying for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations (UN) Security Council.

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson said this on Thursday, March 12 as he again criticized the recent actions of a fellow lawmaker whom he said appears to serve foreign interests.
In an interview on DZRH Radio, Lacson reiterated his point as he criticized the pattern of actions of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who earlier questioned the benefits for the Philippines in applying for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations (UN) Security Council.
“We should love the Philippines more than any country. Regardless of what is at stake, we are Filipinos. We must look after the Philippines' interests, not those of other countries," Lacson said.
The former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief also noted that the permanent members include the United States, United Kingdom, China, France and Russia. But even as a non-permanent member, Lacson stressed that the Philippines will have a greater role in advancing its national and regional interests.
The Philippines would also have the chance to participate more actively in discussions on global peace and security.
"Definitely less than China’s gains in having a permanent seat but a non-permanent seat will give the Philippines greater diplomatic influence and opportunity to advance national and regional interests, ability to sponsor resolutions, not to mention international prestige," he said in a post on X earlier this week.
https://x.com/iampinglacson/status/2030850760515391800
"You will have a degree of diplomatic influence. That is important to us," he added.
Lacson also noted Marcoleta's pattern also includes badgering the Philippine military and civilian officials to discredit the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (Namria)'s map of the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
This, even after two laws - the Philippine Maritime Zones Act (Republic Act 12064) and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act (RA 12065) - signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in November 2024—asserted the country's territorial integrity and rights over all its maritime zones, including the WPS.
He said the latest badgering incident occurred Wednesday, March 11 during the confirmation hearing of the Commission on Appointments' (CA) defense committee for the promotion of military officers. In that hearing, Marcoleta pestered an Army officer on the West Philippine Sea issue.
This prompted Sen. Jinggoy Estrada to intervene and manifest that the WPS issue is more a domain of the Navy and Coast Guard.
"He tries to find a military general who agrees with his views. What can a military officer seeking confirmation before the CA do under scrutiny when he can invoke Section 20 to block his confirmation? So who is his audience, China?" Lacson said.
Even Senate foreign relations panel
Lacson also disclosed that other senators were not spared by a badgering Marcoleta.
According to Lacson, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations chairman Erwin Tulfo has reported to Senate President Vicente Sotto III that Marcoleta was insisting that he invite representatives from Namria and other personalities to a Senate hearing where he would question the Philippines' map.
In his privilege speech Tuesday, Lacson also noted many of Marcoleta's claims on the WPS issue mirrored those of China as contained in the website of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
This included contesting the discovery and occupation by Tomas Cloma of the Spratly Islands, the senator said.
"This question is not personal, but for the country. Who are you trying to protect? What does China have that you are acting so consistently in this way?" Lacson said, addressing Marcoleta.

Related Tags

Ping Lacson Rodante Marcoleta West Philippine Sea China UN Security Council
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