MANILA – Sen. Rodante Marcoleta said China is displeased about being depicted as the “kontrabida” (villain) in the West Philippine Sea dispute, relaying concerns he attributed to the Chinese Ambassador to Manila, Huang Xilian.

In a privilege speech, Sen. Marcoleta said the envoy expressed Beijing’s desire to set aside tensions with the Philippines, noting that there was “relative peace” during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who often took pro-China positions on the maritime dispute.

In a report, Marcoleta specifically referenced Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela, whose recent presentation included satirical images of Chinese President Xi Jinping and drew criticism from the Chinese Embassy. The senator relayed the envoy’s view that such statements should not be allowed and should instead be addressed through diplomatic channels.

“‘Parang kami, masyado naman kami kontrabida,’” Marcoleta said, speaking as if quoting the Chinese envoy. (“It’s like, we’re too much of the bad guy.”) He added that the Philippines should be open to sharing the West Philippine Sea with China, pointing out that other countries also have claims in the South China Sea, and suggested China could become an ally if differences were set aside.

Marcoleta also questioned the government’s transparency initiative that documents incidents involving Chinese vessels in disputed waters, warning that it could cause “panic” or “misinterpretation” and escalate small problems.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros, however, rejected Marcoleta’s position, saying China itself has offensively depicted Philippine leaders as puppets of foreign powers. She emphasized that the issue is not Tarriela’s presentation but China’s actions in Philippine waters, which have blocked Filipino fishermen and harassed vessels.

“If they feel bad that they’re being depicted as ‘villains,’ I’m sorry but in this particular case, they really are the most villainous,” Hontiveros said in Filipino.

Hontiveros also dismissed the notion of friendly ties with China under current conditions, noting that while cooperation is theoretically possible, it cannot happen while China continues its aggressive behavior in the West Philippine Sea.