Metro Manila, Philippines – Sen. Imee Marcos will be replaced as chairperson of the influential committee on foreign relations at a time when the chamber is divided on the Chinese embassy’s public attacks against Filipino officials.
In a series of text messages to NewsWatch Plus on Thursday, Jan. 29, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said Marcos has been informed about the change in chairmanship which may be formalized in plenary next week.
Lacson said Sen. Erwin Tulfo will take her place.
“For obvious reasons, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, like the Blue Ribbon, etc. is a major and significant committee that is normally reserved to the majority bloc,” he said.
While the constitutional amendments and revision of codes is also a major committee, Lacson said the current chairperson, Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, agreed to relinquish the post for Marcos “as a gesture of goodwill.”
“It is up to her to accept or decline,” Lacson said.
NewsWatch Plus has reached out to Marcos for comment.
Marcos retained the chairmanship despite being a member of the minority after the coup that ousted Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero and installed Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III as Senate president in September.
Earlier, Sotto was asked whether Marcos could lose her post after refusing to sign a proposed resolution denouncing the Chinese Embassy in Manila for its public criticisms of Filipino officials and institutions.
“Under consideration,” he said in a text message shared with reporters on Wednesday, Jan. 28.
Row with Chinese embassy
The resolution, introduced by 15 senators, also urges the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to take diplomatic measures to uphold the country’s dignity.
Its signatories are Sotto, Lacson, Majority Leader Migz Zubiri, Deputy Majority Leaders JV Ejercito and Risa Hontiveros, and Senators Kiko Pangilinan, Bam Aquino, Jinggoy Estrada, Win Gatchalian, Lito Lapid, Loren Legarda, Erwin and Raffy Tulfo, and Camille and Mark Villar.
Marcos, Minority Leader Alan Cayetano, and Senators Pia Cayetano, Bato dela Rosa, Chiz Escudero, Bong Go, Rodante Marcoleta, Robin Padilla, and Joel Villanueva did not sign.
The controversy stemmed from a social media post by Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela, in which caricatures or altered images of Chinese President Xi Jinping appeared in the background during an academic event. The images prompted criticism from the Chinese embassy.
Pangilinan, who sponsored the resolution condemning the embassy’s statements, said China had “crossed a line.” Sotto suggested declaring Chinese Embassy deputy spokesperson Guo Wei persona non grata, while Ejercito floated the idea of replacing newly appointed Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan for failing to ease tensions.
Marcos resolution
On the other hand, Marcos filed a separate measure that sought to unite the chamber in urging government officials and employees to be circumspect and “uphold the highest standards of professionalism” in dealing with foreign governments and diplomatic missions.
The Marcos resolution also called on agencies and officials to respect the DFA’s authority as the lead agency in the conduct of foreign relations.
In an earlier statement, the senator said her proposal was not meant to silence debate, suppress patriotism, or weaken the defense of national sovereignty.
“But reckless statements and intemperate rhetoric can have real consequences on bilateral relations and our ability to protect national interests, particularly in sensitive areas such as the maritime domain,” Marcos said.
The foreign relations committee handles matters relating to ties with other states and international organizations, as well as treaties, agreements, obligations, and contracts.
