Palace says no legal basis for treason charges vs senator

THE Palace on Monday said there is no basis to label a senator’s statement about surrendering the Kalayaan Island Group to China as treasonous.

Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told a Palace briefing that treason requires the existence of an “actual state of war,” which does not apply to the Philippines’ current situation.

“As we know, one of the elements of treason is the existence of an actual state of war. At present, we are not in a state of actual war,” Ms. Castro said in Filipino during a Palace briefing.

She added that debates in the Senate, even on sensitive foreign policy issues, fall within lawmakers’ official duties and are protected by freedom of expression.

Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tristan Tarriela earlier said statements perceived as defending China’s position in the territorial dispute could be considered as an “act of treason,” although he did not name any individual.

Senator Rodante D. Marcoleta was later cited for reportedly saying the Philippines should give up the Kalayaan Island Group, a remark the lawmaker said was taken out of context.

Ms. Castro did not address the substance of the statement but said the government continues to assert Philippine sovereignty over the Kalayaan Island Group, which forms part of the country’s claimed territory in the West Philippine Sea, an area with overlapping claims by several countries, including China. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking