Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian
MANILA, Philippines — Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Monday enjoined the public to “go slow” in declaring foreign ambassadors as persona non grata, adding that grievances related to foreign relations must be left to proper agencies.
This comes after the town of Kalayaan in Palawan, through Resolution No. 125-015 of 2023, declared Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian persona non grata following the ambassador’s remark, insinuating that Philippine resupply missions at Ayungin Shoal violate China’s rights over the territory.
But Ayungin Shoal is located about 194 kilometers off Palawan province, well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
“The ambassador of a foreign country to the Philippines is the representative of that country to our country. We should go slow in declaring foreign ambassadors as personas non grata. Avoid this as much as possible. All grievances related to ambassadors and foreign relations must be coursed through our Department of Foreign Affairs so these grievances can be professionally handled,” said Pimentel in a statement.
Meanwhile, Senator JV Ejercito, favored the town’s move, saying that Huang has been “caught lying several times.”
“China should not be regarded as an ally anymore but instead as an adversary. Note verbales coming from the Philippine government seem to be falling on deaf ears,” said Ejercito.
The Chinese Embassy told INQUIRER.net on Monday evening that they have yet to issue a statement regarding the declaration.