Tarriela responds to Senate debate over Xi Jinping caricature

Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, on Tuesday addressed the political controversy surrounding his use of a caricature of Chinese President Xi Jinping and the recent Senate debate.

“I’ve loosened up a bit. I don’t want to get angry at myself. I don’t want to be irritated. I don’t want to be annoyed,” he said in Filipino.

In an interview with dzBB, Tarriela questioned the focus on the caricature, noting that he presented it in an academic setting.

“I was in a university. I was addressing students,” he said, emphasizing respect for academic freedom and freedom of expression. He further clarified that the caricature was never intended to represent an official government position.

A heated Senate debate between Senators Kiko Pangilinan and Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday centered on Senate Resolution No. 256, a measure condemning recent statements by the Chinese Embassy that Philippine lawmakers and officials — including Tarriela — labeled as attacks on Philippine sovereignty and state actors.

Cayetano criticized Tarriela’s actions, calling them undiplomatic and urging restraint, suggesting the conduct could be diplomatically risky.

Tarriela addressed those comments directly: “I have no reason to take off my uniform. If inefficiency in work is the only standard, maybe he’s barking at the wrong tree,” he said.

In recent months, the PCG has reported continued Chinese Coast Guard intrusions into Philippine exclusive economic zone waters and harassing maneuvers against Filipino vessels, including the use of water cannons — points repeatedly highlighted in PCG warnings and public communications.

The Senate adopted the resolution without objection, though lawmakers sparred over its broader implications.