15 senators cross party lines, sign reso vs Chinese embassy remarks

MANILA, Philippines — Fifteen senators from across the political spectrum have inked a resolution condemning recent public statements made by the Chinese embassy in Manila which criticized Philippine officials and institutions for positions taken in defense of national sovereignty and maritime rights. 

Under Senate Resolution No. 256, the lawmakers stressed that the language used by a Chinese embassy official, directed at incumbent members of Congress, departs from “the restraint, courtesy, and responsibility expected of diplomatic communications” and runs counter to “the principles of mutual respect and non-interference” among states.

It also recalled that the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines have already denounced attempts by Chinese officials “to intimidate or malign Philippine defense institutions and personnel” and have vowed not to be “silenced by such actions.”

Citing the Charter of the United Nations and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the resolution noted that the Philippines, as a sovereign state, has the right to assert and defend its positions in accordance with international law and that “the peaceful assertion of sovereign rights does not characterize aggression or provocation.”

With these, the resolution particularly expressed the sense of the Senate to condemn the recent public statements issued by the embassy of the People’s Republic of China that “improperly criticize Philippine officials or institutions for actions undertaken in the performance of their duties. 

The resolution affirmed that the Republic of the Philippines has the sovereign right and responsibility to present, assert, and defend its official positions and national interests, in accordance with international law. 

Lastly, the resolution called on the Department of Foreign Affairs to take necessary diplomatic measures to uphold the dignity of the Republic of the Philippines and ensure that relations with other states adhere to international law, and, if needed, “place [the country’s] objections on record and elevate the matter to relevant international fora.”

Signatories of the resolution are as follows: Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, Sen. Erwin Tulfo, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, Sen. Raffy  Tulfo, Sen. Win Gatchalian, Sen. Loren Legarda, Sen. JV Ejercito, Sen. Bam Aquino, Sen. Camille Villar, Sen. Mark Villar, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and Sen. Lito Lapid. 

The Chinese Embassy in Manila earlier filed a diplomatic protest against Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard  spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, over his alleged smearing of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s “dignity.” 

The move came days after Tarriela posted a photo of himself in front of a flatscreen television displaying an image collage that appeared to be an AI-generated picture of Xi.

Following the escalation of events, Hontiveros called the Chinese embassy in Manila a bad guest for its supposed failure to show respect to its host country. 

Hontiveros’ statement was rejected by the embassy, insisting that if  fake news is spread and if China is defamed, it will not remain patient and silent. 

The Department of Foreign Affairs, meanwhile, said it made “firm representations” to the Chinese ambassador and the Chinese embassy conveying serious concerns with the escalation of public exchanges between the Chinese embassy and Philippine legislators and government officials.

Backers

Meanwhile, it appeared that the Chinese embassy also gained backers in the Senate. This, after minority bloc members Sen. Robinhood Padilla and Sen. Rodante Marcoleta expressed their sentiments over the matter, still during the chamber’s session. 

In his interpellation to Hontiveros’ privilege speech, Padilla pointed out that Tarriela’s post appeared to have mocked and criticized Xi. 

Padilla said that if China were to do the same to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., even if he himself were in the opposition, he would be the first to get angry because he would not allow a foreign country to demean the President of the Philippines.

“Hindi po ibig sabihin na ako’y pumapayag na pagsalitaan nang hindi maganda ang ating mga kasama ng Chinese embassy, aba’y hindi rin naman tama ’yun. Pero hindi rin naman po tama na ang isang opisyal natin sa gobyerno na isang unipormado pa ay gagawa ng katatawanan o caricature ng presidente ng Tsina,” said Padilla. 

With this, Padilla appealed to Tarriela not to repeat his actions, saying that one should expect that the disrespect shown would surely be returned, and that there would be nothing the Philippines could do about it.

Marcoleta, for his part, claimed that he was able to talk with Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro, adding that Tarriela did not consult the agency for his actions. 

“Regarding my question earlier about whether Mr. Tarriela consults the DFA regarding his actions and public statements, the response was that perhaps he does, based on the presumption of regularity. However, I personally spoke with the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and he does not consult with them,” said Marcoleta. 

“Honestly, based on my assessment during our conversation, the DFA also does not approve of what Mr. Tarriela is doing. They are having difficulty, that is what was conveyed to me, because instead of helping them in their work and in their responsibility to maintain—even if it is somewhat difficult,” he added. /gsg/cb