Metro Manila, Philippines – Officials of Kalayaan municipality stood by their decision to declare China’s ambassador persona non grata, calling Beijing’s retaliatory travel ban a “badge of honor” over tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
In an interview on The Newsmaker, Kalayaan Vice Mayor Maurice Phillip “MP” Albayda said local leaders anticipated China’s response.
“We were expecting this since 2023,” Albayda said, referring to the municipality’s earlier persona non grata declaration against a Chinese diplomat.
Despite the travel restriction, he said the local government considers the move a recognition of Kalayaan’s role in asserting Philippine sovereignty.
“Ang manindigan para sa bansa, ang manindigan at ipaglaban ang karapatan nating mga Pilipino ay pinakamataas at pinakadakilang tungkulin ng isang naglilingkod sa bayan.”
[Translation: “Standing firm for the country and defending the rights of Filipinos is the highest and noblest duty of a public servant.”]
China has barred a number of Kalayaan officials — including Albayda — from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao, citing the “principle of reciprocity” after local resolutions in 2023 and 2026 declared Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan unwelcome.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said while Beijing has the sovereign prerogative to control entry into its territory, such actions do not help foster stronger bilateral relations or people-to-people exchanges.
Albayda said the persona non grata declaration was a response to what the municipality views as repeated aggressive actions within waters under its jurisdiction.
“Yung meron kang binobomba ng water cannon… sukdulan na yun,” he said.
[Translation: “Using water cannons and similar excesses — that is already beyond the limit.”]
He said Kalayaan’s move was within diplomatic bounds, saying the town is asserting its rights through democratic processes rather than confrontation.
“Huwag lang silang gagawa ng pagmamalabis… sa kultura natin mga Pilipino, kapag ikaw ay nakikisilong sa bahay, dapat ka lang makipagkapwa,” he added.
[Translation: “They should avoid committing excesses… in Filipino culture, when you are a guest in someone’s home, you should show respect.”]
The vice mayor also addressed recent political debate over the status of the Kalayaan Island Group following remarks by lawmakers that drew criticism from local officials.
“Hindi mawawala sa realidad at katotohanan ng West Philippine Sea na meron tayong mamamayan doon,” he said.
[Translation: “The reality of the West Philippine Sea cannot be erased — we have citizens living there.”]
Albayda said civilian presence and infrastructure on islands such as Pag-asa strengthen the country’s claims. Under Republic Act 12064, or the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, maritime features of the Kalayaan Island Group form part of the West Philippine Sea.
He urged national leaders to prioritize unity over political divisions.
“Nag-aapela po tayo na unahin natin ang ating pagka-Pilipino… Kalayaan Island Group is a litmus test of our patriotism and nationalism,” he said.
[Translation: “We appeal to everyone to put our being Filipino first… the Kalayaan Island Group is a litmus test of our patriotism and nationalism.”]
