Marcoleta echoes China's lines, drawing Hontiveros' rebuttalMANILA, Philippines — Sen. Rodante Marcoleta said China is unhappy about being portrayed as the "kontrabida" in the West Philippine Sea dispute, relaying remarks he attributed to Beijing's envoy in Manila. Marcoleta said there was "relative peace" during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte, who had often echoed pro-China positions on the West Philippine Sea. Rather than defending Tarriela, however, Marcoleta said such statements should be avoided. Marcoleta also suggested that China could be an ally of the Philippines if differences were set aside. Hontiveros rejects Marcoleta's positionHontiveros countered Marcoleta's remarks, saying China has itself depicted the Philippine president and other leaders offensively, portraying them as puppets of foreign powers.

Source: Philippine Star January 27, 2026 02:45 UTC