Cardinal David backs Tarriela amid row with Chinese Embassy

Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David on Thursday expressed support for Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), amid the 'word war' with the Chinese Embassy.

In a social media post, David echoed Lingayen Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas’s sentiments, adding that the issue on the WPS is not only political.

“This is not only a political issue — it is profoundly moral and pastoral, because the livelihood and safety of our people, especially our fisherfolk, are at stake,” David said.

“I also commend the 15 senators who signed a Senate resolution expressing our nation’s protest against China’s continuing acts of coercion and harassment in our waters,” he added.

He was referring to the Senate resolution that was adopted on Monday, denouncing recent statements by the Chinese Embassy against Filipino government officials who criticized Beijing’s aggressive actions in the disputed South China Sea.

Cardinal David was referring to Archbishop Villegas' social media post on Tuesday, “I personally admire your fearless defense of our maritime zones, sovereign by international and domestic law. Many of our people depend on the sea's bounty — God's gifts now threatened by China's encroachments.”

“Despite shaming from pro-China politicians, your stand safeguards God's people and future Filipinos. We salute your principled statesmanship and fidelity to oath,” he added.

Tarriela, in response via a post on X (formerly Twitter), said Villegas’ message brings "real strength and motivation as I carry on my patriotic duty in standing for our rights in the West Philippine Sea."

The Chinese Embassy in Manila has called out Tarriela for posting images on social media "attacking and smearing Chinese leaders."

The PCG official stood firm on his stance opposing China's aggression in the South China Sea, saying that there's no need for him to apologize to the Chinese Embassy. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BAP, GMA Integrated News