MANILA — Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson clarified that any potential discussions with the Chinese Embassy regarding the West Philippine Sea (WPS) would not involve conceding territory or yielding to pressure.

Lacson made the statement after Jing Quan signified openness to dialogue with Philippine leaders to tone down the escalating word war over the maritime dispute.

According to Lacson, the proposed talks would not tackle sensitive matters such as ownership of contested areas but would instead aim to establish clearer communication channels between both sides.

“Wala tayong sinusuko at di tayo yumuyuko. Gusto lang natin maiwasan ang maaanghang na palitan ng salita through social media. Mas maganda ang direktang pag-uusap (We are not surrendering anything and we are not bowing to anyone. We simply want to prevent misunderstanding and fiery exchanges on social media, by talking to each other directly),” Lacson said in an interview on DZBB radio.

“Baka may middle ground na pwede tayong makapagusap. Hindi yung yumuko tayo, ‘sige sa inyo na nga yan para lang maayos na ang ating usapan.’ Hindi ganoon (We might find a middle ground for communications. But the talks do not mean we are bowing to China or giving them our territory just to end the discussion),” he added. “Mas mainam ang maliwanag na maliwanag. Wala tayong sinusuko at hindi tayo yumuyuko (It is better to be clear on this: We are not surrendering anything and we are bowing to no one).”

Lacson also commended Erwin Tulfo for initiating his own meeting with embassy officials in his capacity as the new chairperson of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He described the move as “a move in the right direction” and “commendable,” noting that Tulfo was expected to brief fellow senators during their 1:30 p.m. caucus following his 11 a.m. meeting.

At the same time, Lacson stressed that senators must first ensure unity and clarity among themselves before engaging foreign counterparts, saying public disputes among Filipino lawmakers over territorial issues reflect poorly on the country.

He said he could not imagine any parliament elsewhere in the world where legislators argue among themselves over territory they acknowledge as part of their own nation or within its exclusive economic zone.

“Di ba napakapangit noon? I cannot imagine maski anong parliament sa buong mundo na nangyayari ito, nagkakapikunan ang mambabatas at ang usapin sino ang nagmamayari ng isang teritoryo na ang alam nating lahat teritoryo talaga ng Pilipinas o kaya nasa loob ng ating exclusive economic zone (Isn’t it ugly? I cannot imagine any parliament in the world where lawmakers fight over territory that we know belongs to the Philippines or is in our exclusive economic zone),” he said.