Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday stressed that he stands firmly with the rest of the Senate in upholding Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, even as he maintains a different approach and strategy on how to address issues surrounding it.
Cayetano, who served as Foreign Affairs Secretary from 2017 to 2018 and was involved in diplomatic talks between the Philippines and China, made this statement during his interpellation with Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on the Proposed Senate Resolution No. 256.
“Pareho tayo ng stand: Atin ang West Philippine Sea. [Pero] iba lang ang approach natin. We can discuss soberly, secure our territory, and benefit from all of this without being ‘pro’ or ‘anti’ China,” the Minority Leader said on February 9, 2026.
The resolution condemns recent public statements made by the Chinese embassy in Manila criticizing Philippine officials and institutions for their positions defending national sovereignty and maritime rights.
Fifteen senators signed the resolution, with Cayetano, Senator Pia Cayetano and seven other members of the Minority bloc opting not to do so. Their decision drew public criticism, with some sectors branding the non-signatories as ‘Tsinador’ and accusing them of failing to uphold national interest and sovereignty.
“Wala tayong question sa territory at sovereignty. Sana magkaisa tayo na kapag mali ang ginawa ng isang empleyado ay mali. Wala tayong bastusan. We follow the decorum. We follow the order,” Cayetano said.
The Minority Leader was referring to statements and a caricature made by Philippine Coast Guard Spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela poking fun at Chinese President Xi Jin Ping, which sparked heated exchanges and eventually led to the filing of the Senate resolution.
Cayetano also scored attempts to politicize the issue, stressing that the Minority senators’ refusal to sign the resolution stemmed solely from differences in approach, not from a lack of patriotism.
“In the Senate, we know where we agree and disagree. We can love the Philippines, protect our territory, and secure our victory under the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) 2016 Arbitrary ruling. Magkakampi tayo,” he said.
He then called to strengthen the national consensus regarding claims in the West Philippine Sea as well as sober, professional, and respectful exchanges on the issue without stooping to political division and name calling.
“My point is that we can discuss this soberly as patriotic Filipinos — how to navigate these challenges, secure our territory, and benefit from our sovereign rights — without resorting to labels like ‘pro-China,’ ‘anti-China,’ or ‘Tsinador,’” he concluded.
After the exchange, the Senate passed the resolution on third reading, with the Cayetanos not taking part in its adoption. ###
