Marcoleta Demands Historical Correction on Spratlys Discovery, Lacson Counters
Senator Rodante Marcoleta urged on Tuesday to halt what he termed a "distortion" of history regarding the Philippines' claim to the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). This follows criticism he faced over earlier statements perceived as advocating for surrendering the KIG, part of the Spratly Islands.
Senate Hearing Sparks Debate Over Cloma's Role
During a hearing of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification, and Reconciliation, Marcoleta challenged the assertion by Senate Pro-Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson on February 4 that Tomas Cloma discovered the Spratlys under the principle of res nullius, meaning land owned by the first discoverer and occupier of unclaimed territory. Lacson argued that Cloma ceded the islands to the government, later formalized through Presidential Decree No. 1596 signed by former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., establishing the municipality of Kalayaan in 1978.
Marcoleta insisted the narrative that Cloma "discovered" the Spratlys in 1956 when he declared so-called Freedomland is incorrect. "There are a lot of discoveries already prior to 1956," Marcoleta stated. He added that the Philippines, United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, and China objected to Cloma's declaration, as the islands were not "undiscovered" or "unoccupied."
Basis of Philippine Claim Emphasized
The senator stressed that the Philippines' ownership of occupied areas is based on the presence of Filipinos and government control, not on Cloma's discovery or donation. Marcoleta also believes that educational materials should be corrected to prevent misinformation among students.
Lacson Defends Historical Record
Lacson quickly refuted Marcoleta's claims, noting that the local government of Kalayaan, Palawan recognizes the historical record of Cloma's "Independence Claim" on July 6, 1956, which established a separate government for the "Free Territory of Freedomland" with its capital at Flat Island or Patag Island. According to Lacson, Cloma surrendered his claim to the government in the 1970s for one peso, paving the way for PD 1596 and the official establishment of Kalayaan municipality.
Background on Spratlys Dispute
The Spratlys issue flared up after a series of heated exchanges between Marcoleta and Lacson over the KIG, part of contested maritime territories. Besides the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Brunei also claim parts of the Spratly Islands. Marcoleta previously faced severe backlash for suggesting the KIG might be "surrendered" and that Filipinos should not die for it, as key features allegedly lie beyond the country's exclusive economic zone. He later clarified that his statements were misunderstood and "taken out of context" to portray him as a villain.
