Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippines has made firm representations with Beijing over what it described as an escalation of public exchanges between the Chinese Embassy in Manila and Philippine lawmakers and officials, cautioning that heated rhetoric could undermine diplomatic efforts to manage tensions between the two countries.
In a statement issued Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it conveyed “serious concerns with the escalation of public exchanges” to the Chinese ambassador and the Chinese Embassy, citing public statements directed at Philippine officials including Senators Risa Hontiveros, Kiko Pangilinan and Erwin Tulfo.
The DFA emphasized that it was formally raising concerns through diplomatic channels.
“We reiterate our previous statements affirming support for our officials to perform their lawful duties in defense of Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction,” the department said.
It added that the views of Philippine officials, “as well as those of disagreeing voices, are an inescapable part of the robust plurality of ideas that animate our democratic society.”
While the Philippines values open debate on differences in national positions, the DFA underscored the need for restraint in the public sphere.
“The Department recognizes the need for sober, professional and respectful exchanges in the public sphere,” it said, adding that such an approach “is not contradictory to the national interest.”
The DFA warned that a lack of circumspection in language and actions could “unnecessarily derail the diplomatic space needed to manage the tensions in the maritime domain” and hinder cooperation in non-sensitive areas.
Among these areas are efforts to establish formal communication channels between the two countries’ coast guards, develop scientific cooperation on ocean meteorology, and reinvigorate trade and investment ties, agricultural cooperation and people-to-people interactions.
The DFA said maintaining professionalism in public exchanges is essential to prevent further escalation and preserve avenues for diplomacy.
The statement came as the administration publicly reaffirmed presidential backing for Philippine officials facing criticism from Beijing.
During a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. supports government officials as long as their actions are lawful and aligned with national interests.
“When government agencies and their heads are acting correctly, in accordance with the law, and in line with our advocacy to defend the rights and interests of the country, that is supported by the President,” Castro said.
When asked directly whether the president stands by the statements of Philippine officials in the current dispute, she replied: “Yes.”
