West Philippine Sea dispute tensions escalated in the Senate after Sen. Rodante Marcoleta revealed that China is unhappy about being portrayed as the “villain” in the ongoing maritime conflict.

In a development that has sparked renewed debate over the Philippines’ approach to China, Marcoleta shared details of his recent meeting with Chinese Ambassador Huang Lilian, saying the envoy expressed concern over escalating tensions between Manila and Beijing and signaled a desire to de-escalate the dispute. The senator’s remarks came amid heightened diplomatic friction following statements from the Chinese Embassy that Philippine officials have described as threatening.

The issue was raised during a privilege speech delivered on Monday, January 26, by Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who called for a Senate probe into what she described as intimidation tactics used by China against Philippine officials and agencies asserting the country’s maritime rights.

Marcoleta, however, offered a contrasting view, noting that relations between the Philippines and China were relatively peaceful during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte. He attributed this, in part, to Duterte’s more conciliatory stance toward Beijing, particularly on the West Philippine Sea issue.

The senator also focused on Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela, who recently drew criticism from the Chinese Embassy after delivering a presentation that included satirical images of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Rather than defending Tarriela, Marcoleta cautioned against such statements, saying these could further inflame tensions and should not be allowed to pass unchecked.

According to Marcoleta, the Chinese envoy conveyed that remarks perceived as mocking or offensive contribute to misunderstandings that worsen the situation. “When there is misinterpretation, a small problem becomes worse,” Marcoleta said in Filipino, urging restraint and diplomacy in handling sensitive issues involving foreign powers.

Marcoleta and Tarriela have a history of public disagreement over the West Philippine Sea. When Marcoleta was still a House lawmaker, he once claimed that the West Philippine Sea did not exist—an assertion Gabriela later described as an embarrassment to the country. The senator also questioned the government’s transparency initiative, which documents and publicizes incidents involving China in disputed waters, warning that such disclosures could cause panic or misinterpretation among the public.

The lawmaker further suggested that the Philippines should remain open to sharing the West Philippine Sea with China, noting that other countries also have overlapping claims in the South China Sea. Speaking as if voicing China’s perspective, Marcoleta said, “Paraná Kai, Masada Haman Kai kontrabida,” or “it is like we are being made out to be too much of the bad guy.”

Marcella even floated the idea that China could be a potential ally of the Philippines if both sides were willing to set aside their differences and resolve disputes through diplomatic channels.

Hontiveros, however, strongly pushed back against Marcoleta’s statements, rejecting the notion that the dispute is a “small problem.” She stressed that the issue involves Philippine territory and the livelihoods of Filipino fishermen, who have repeatedly faced harassment and obstruction in contested waters.

“The problem is not with Commodore Gabriela,” Hontiveros said in Filipino. “The problem is China’s actions toward the Philippines.” She added that China itself has produced offensive depictions of the Philippine president and other leaders, portraying them as puppets of foreign powers.

Hontiveros also pointed out that other claimant states in the South China Sea have not attacked Philippine vessels or blocked Filipino fishermen in the same manner as China. While she acknowledged that cooperation with China would be desirable in an ideal world, she said such a relationship is impossible under current circumstances.

“If they feel bad about being depicted as villains, i am sorry,” Hontiveros said, “but in this case, they really are the most villainous.”

As tensions continue to rise in the West Philippine Sea, the contrasting views within the Senate underscore the deep divisions over how the Philippines should assert its sovereignty while navigating relations with a powerful neighbor.