Manila: Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson has expressed support for the Municipality of Kalayaan's initiative to expunge 'defeatist' remarks made by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta from the Commission on Appointments (CA) records concerning the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG).
According to Philippines News Agency, Lacson emphasized the necessity of a formal motion to eliminate the statements from the CA record, underscoring the importance of adhering to proper procedures. He stated that a letter addressed to CA Chairman Senate President Vicente Sotto III, through the CA Defense Committee Chairman, would be a strong foundation for such a motion.
In a radio interview, Lacson highlighted the potential negative impact of retaining these remarks in the official record, which could undermine the Philippines' stance on the KIG. He pointed out that the remarks, originating from a senator and being part of the record, could weaken the country's position. Lacson stressed the importance of removing the remarks to maintain the strength of the Philippines' claim.
Lacson further explained that while he believed Marcoleta may not have intended the exact interpretation of his words, the statement 'give up' was unambiguous and could only be interpreted as surrendering the territory to avoid conflict.
The Sangguniang Bayan of Kalayaan, through Resolution No. 099-016 dated February 16, 2026, expressed strong indignation and formally protested against Marcoleta's remarks. They petitioned the CA to remove the statements from congressional records to uphold the municipality's dignity and integrity. A copy of this resolution was received by Sotto's office on February 18, 2026.
In response, Sotto indicated that he would first investigate the appropriate process to handle the matter, acknowledging that since the remarks were made in a committee hearing, a different procedure might be necessary.
The controversial remarks by Marcoleta were made during a CA committee hearing earlier this month, which involved discussions on the KIG, a municipality of Palawan in the West Philippine Sea.
