Manila, Feb. 11 -- Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela has slammed Sagip party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta for his claims the term WPS was rooted in ignorance, saying it is not illegal to enshrine it in Philippine laws.

In a statement Monday night, Tarriela said the term is "widely embraced" by Filipinos, the military, and Coast Guard personnel.

"There is nothing illegal about enshrining the term in our laws. One should never dismiss a term that strengthens the country's connection to its own EEZ (exclusive economic zone)," Tarriela said.

Marcoleta was part of the 19th Congress that passed Republic Act 12064, or the Philippine Maritime Zones Act that defines the Philippines' internal w...