Metro Manila, Philippines – After filing a resolution condemning the Chinese Embassy in Manila’s public statements against Filipino officials, senators are now seeking to replace China’s envoy and possibly bar another diplomat from entering the country.
During plenary deliberations on Tuesday, Jan. 27, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan formally sponsored the proposed resolution signed by 15 senators. They are urging the Department of Foreign Affairs to take diplomatic measures to uphold the country’s dignity and make sure that other states comply with international law and the principles governing relations between states.
The resolution comes more than a week after the Chinese embassy called out Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela over a social media post that included altered photos of Chinese President Xi Jinping in slides he presented at an academic event.
Chinese embassy officials later expressed outrage and questioned Tarriela’s position.
“The statements crossed a line from legitimate expression of a foreign state’s views, into interference in our domestic democratic debate,” Pangilinan stressed.
Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito said newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan has so far failed to ease tensions, suggesting that he be replaced.
“Hindi nakakatuwa na marinig sa Chinese embassy officials, sa bagong kakatalaga pa lang na ambassador, ang mga salitang hindi maganda sa ating mga mismong opisyal na tayo po ang host country,” Ejercito said.
“Kung ganito po ay dapat siguro ay–hindi pa naman natin idedeklarang persona non grata–pero kung ganito ay sana ay palitan po siya dahil hindi nakakatulong sa tensyonado nang sitwasyon,” he added.
[Translation: “It is troubling to hear such inappropriate remarks from Chinese embassy officials, especially from a newly appointed ambassador, directed at our own officials – even though we are the host country. If this is the case, then perhaps— – hile we are not yet declaring him persona non grata – he should be replaced, because this does not help an already tense situation.]
Fellow Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros reacted strongly to recent remarks by Chinese embassy Deputy Spokesperson Guo Wei, who criticized senators who signed the resolution.
“Echoes do not make a claim true. What matters is whether the argument stands up to scrutiny – not how many voices repeat it,” Guo said.
Hontiveros took offense and raised her voice, calling the remarks rude.
“Bastos. Walang paggalang, at gusto pa rin nila sila ang masusunod. Hindi lang sa dagat ng Pilipinas, hindi lang sa social media ng Pilipinas, pati sa Senado ng Pilipinas,” Hontiveros said.
[Translation: Disrespectful. There is no regard for us, and they still want to dictate terms – not only in Philippine waters, not only on Philippine social media, but even in the Philippine Senate.]
Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III then suggested studying the possibility of declaring Guo persona non grata, or unwelcome in the country.
“That is very, very serious when the Senate does that. I suggest that the committee on rules study the possibility,” he said.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said the chamber could only make a recommendation, while Pangilinan said he would support such a move.
Pangilinan also stressed that while only 15 senators have signed the resolution so far, what matters is the final vote when the measure is put to a decision.
“Introducing this measure does not mean that those who did not introduce this measure are opposed to this measure,” he said.
The signatories are Pangilinan, Sotto, Lacson, Ejercito, Hontiveros, Majority Leader Migz Zubiri, Erwin and Raffy Tulfo, Win Gatchalian, Loren Legarda, Bam Aquino, Jinggoy Estrada, Lito Lapid, and Camille and Mark Villar.
Over the past years, the Senate has passed resolutions condemning China’s harassment and incursions in the West Philippine Sea amid the long-standing dispute.
