MISLEADING: Tarriela blames VP Sara’s remarks for China’s perception of the Philippines

James Mer Adena

According to a Facebook post, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela blamed Vice President Sara Duterte’s “troublemaker” remark for Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan’s characterization of the Philippines.

CLAIM:

Jay Tarriela blamed Sara Duterte’s “troublemaker” remark for emboldening Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan to call the Philippines a troublemaker.

RATING: MISLEADING

CONCLUSION:

It was Defense Sec. Gilberto Teodoro Jr., and not Tarriela, who challenged Vice President Sara Duterte’s “troublemaker” remark as he defended the Philippines’ maritime rights and called China the region’s real troublemaker. On the other hand, Tarriela criticized Jing’s statement that China could “easily win” through force.

THE FACTS:

• Duterte described the Philippines as becoming a “troublemaker of Southeast Asia” on October 12. She stated this while questioning the treatment of business ties with China as a national security concern.
• Teodoro directly challenged Duterte’s characterization. On October 14, Teodoro defended the Philippines’ maritime rights and called China the region’s real troublemaker.
• Tarriela criticized Jing’s remarks about the use of force. Tarriela called Jing’s “easily win” remark a direct threat amid tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

THE BOTTOMLINE:

The claim is misleading because Teodoro, not Tarriela, challenged Duterte’s “troublemaker” remark, while Tarriela criticized Jing’s statement that China could “easily win” through force.