Tarriela clarified that the document was merely a correspondence from an ambassador at the time and only cited information suggesting that Bajo de Masinloc lies outside the Philippine territorial line.
He added that former Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio has cited the Treaty of Washington as a basis to argue that Philippine territory is not limited to areas defined within the treaty.
“There’s still the Treaty of Washington that says even though other territories outside the Treaty of Washington are still part of the Philippine archipelago,” Tarriela said.
The PCG official also emphasized that the country possesses historical maps, including the 1734 Murillo Velarde map and later versions, as key evidence supporting the Philippines’ claim over Scarborough Shoal.
According to Tarriela, these maps serve as strong historical proof of the country’s position in the disputed area.
The Chinese Embassy earlier criticized Tarriela, with Deputy spokesperson Guo Wei describing China’s position in the South China Sea as “clear and consistent” and calling his statements “misleading.”
Amid the exchange, Tarriela said that about 94 percent of Filipinos expressed support for the national government’s efforts in the West Philippine Sea, citing a December 2025 survey.
