Lacson backs removal of Marcoleta's remarks on Kalayaan from Senate record

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Sunday expressed willingness to have the remarks of Senator Rodante Marcoleta—who allegedly suggested that it may be easier to let go of the Kalayaan Group of Islands (KIG) amid tensions with China—removed from the Senate record.

“I agree. Nasa minutes ‘yan ng Commission on Appointments. Pangit ‘yun. (Those remarks are in the Commission on Appointments’ minutes, and they are not pleasant)," he said.

But Lacson was quick to clarify that the matter is still up for discussion by the entire commission.

"Hindi puwedeng magdesisyon diyan ang hindi majority ng Commission on Appointments (No decision can be made if not by the majority of the Commission on Appointments),” Lacson said in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB.

Lacson said Marcoleta’s statements could be construed as a softening of the Philippines’ pushback against China’s territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea.

“Definitely, kasi nanggaling sa senador mismo at nandun sa record, medyo ma-weaken ang position natin dahil nasa record,” he added.

(I definitely agree, because since the remarks came from a senator and are on record, it could weaken our position.)

Marcoleta earlier drew criticism after saying that the KIG is not part of the country’s exclusive economic zone and that it should be let go.

Kalayaan Vice Mayor MP Albayda said he will file a resolution with the Sangguniang Bayan of Kalayaan, Palawan, seeking the removal of Marcoleta’s statements from the Senate record, saying residents of the island were offended by the remarks.

Marcoleta, however, maintained that he never said the KIG should be surrendered, claiming that some people were “abbreviating the context” of his statements.

‘Homegrown traitors’

Lacson on Saturday warned against so-called “homegrown traitors,” whom he described as individuals willing to sell the country in exchange for personal gain.

“In geopolitics, the most common sources of information are technical intelligence and homegrown traitors who are willing to sell their country in exchange for what’s in it for them," he said.

He did not, however, specify whom he was referring to.

"In intelligence operations, this is called ‘recruitment in place,’” Lacson said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

In geopolitics, the most common sources of information are technical intelligence and homegrown traitors who are willing to sell their country in exchange for what’s in it for them. In intelligence operations, it is called, “recruitment in place”.

— PING LACSON (@iampinglacson) February 7, 2026

Lacson earlier said that giving up the Kalayaan Group of Islands would be tantamount to surrendering the entire Philippines.

The KIG is a cluster of Philippine-claimed islands and reefs in the Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea, including Pag-asa Island, located about 280 nautical miles west of Palawan.

The area is home to Filipino civilians, a local government unit, and military personnel.—MCG, GMA Integrated News