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Cayetano Stands Firm On WPS With Senate But Pushes Different Approach
Photo credit: Senate PH
Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday said he remains fully aligned with the rest of the Senate in defending Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, even as he continues to advocate a different strategy in handling the issue.
During his interpellation with Senator Francis Pangilinan on Proposed Senate Resolution No. 256, Cayetano stressed that there is no disagreement on ownership of the West Philippine Sea, only on how the country should assert its rights.
“Pareho tayo ng stand. Atin ang West Philippine Sea. Pero iba lang ang approach natin,” Cayetano said on February 9, 2026, adding that the issue can be discussed calmly and professionally without being labeled as either pro or anti China.
Cayetano, who served as foreign affairs secretary from 2017 to 2018 and was involved in diplomatic talks with China, said his perspective is shaped by experience and a belief in firm but measured action.
The proposed resolution condemns recent public statements by the Chinese Embassy in Manila criticizing Philippine officials and institutions for defending national sovereignty and maritime rights.
Fifteen senators signed the measure, while Cayetano, Senator Pia Cayetano, and seven other members of the Minority bloc opted not to do so. The move drew criticism from some sectors, with the non signatories branded as “Tsinador” and accused of failing to stand up for national interest.
Cayetano rejected the accusations, saying there is no question about the Senate Minority’s commitment to territory 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,” he said.
He was referring to statements and a caricature made by Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela mocking Chinese President Xi Jinping, which sparked heated exchanges and eventually led to the filing of the Senate resolution.
The Minority Leader also warned against politicizing the issue, stressing that the decision not to sign the resolution was based purely on differences in approach, not 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 2016 arbitral ruling. Magkakampi tayo,” Cayetano said.
He called for a stronger national consensus on the West Philippine Sea and urged sober, professional, and respectful discussions without political division or name calling.
Cayetano concluded by saying Filipinos can defend sovereignty and pursue national interest without resorting to labels or deepening divisions.
After the exchange, the Senate passed the resolution on third reading, with the Cayetanos not taking part in its adoption.
During his interpellation with Senator Francis Pangilinan on Proposed Senate Resolution No. 256, Cayetano stressed that there is no disagreement on ownership of the West Philippine Sea, only on how the country should assert its rights.
“Pareho tayo ng stand. Atin ang West Philippine Sea. Pero iba lang ang approach natin,” Cayetano said on February 9, 2026, adding that the issue can be discussed calmly and professionally without being labeled as either pro or anti China.
Cayetano, who served as foreign affairs secretary from 2017 to 2018 and was involved in diplomatic talks with China, said his perspective is shaped by experience and a belief in firm but measured action.
The proposed resolution condemns recent public statements by the Chinese Embassy in Manila criticizing Philippine officials and institutions for defending national sovereignty and maritime rights.
Fifteen senators signed the measure, while Cayetano, Senator Pia Cayetano, and seven other members of the Minority bloc opted not to do so. The move drew criticism from some sectors, with the non signatories branded as “Tsinador” and accused of failing to stand up for national interest.
Cayetano rejected the accusations, saying there is no question about the Senate Minority’s commitment to territory 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,” he said.
He was referring to statements and a caricature made by Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela mocking Chinese President Xi Jinping, which sparked heated exchanges and eventually led to the filing of the Senate resolution.
The Minority Leader also warned against politicizing the issue, stressing that the decision not to sign the resolution was based purely on differences in approach, not 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 2016 arbitral ruling. Magkakampi tayo,” Cayetano said.
He called for a stronger national consensus on the West Philippine Sea and urged sober, professional, and respectful discussions without political division or name calling.
Cayetano concluded by saying Filipinos can defend sovereignty and pursue national interest without resorting to labels or deepening divisions.
After the exchange, the Senate passed the resolution on third reading, with the Cayetanos not taking part in its adoption.
Feb 10, 2026
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