(Photo courtesy of House prosecution team)
MANILA – Several lawmakers urged the Philippine government to consider diplomatic action against lower-ranking Chinese Embassy officials following controversial remarks by Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan, while acknowledging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s preference for resolving the dispute through diplomatic channels.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, October 20, Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon rejected the Chinese Embassy’s explanation of the ambassador’s statements, saying the embassy could not determine whether the remarks should be considered threatening by the Philippines.
“A threat is a threat,” Ridon said.
While recognizing the President’s decision to pursue diplomatic engagement, Ridon suggested that the government could still take action against other embassy personnel.
“Option ng ating pangulo, palayasin po yung mga lesser diplomats,” he said.
Ridon specifically mentioned personnel managing the Chinese Embassy’s social media accounts, alleging that they continued criticizing Philippine officials even after Manila formally raised its objections.
Meanwhile, Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville Luistro called for a firm but peaceful response to what she described as intimidation by Chinese representatives.
“We should not be victims of [a] bully in our own land,” Luistro said.
“But I wish to be clear, we are advocating a peaceful avenue of addressing the conflict with China,” she added.
Luistro emphasized that foreign diplomats should respect the Philippines and its officials, citing concerns over the treatment of Filipinos in the West Philippine Sea.
“We deserve the respect of the foreign envoys,” she said.
Manila Rep. Joel Chua also criticized the ambassador’s remarks but stressed that the government must carefully consider the potential consequences of its response on Philippine-China relations.
Chua noted that any diplomatic action should also take into account the welfare of Filipinos working in China.
“Very offensive na pagbabantaan tayo sa ating bansa,” he said.
The lawmakers’ statements followed the October 19 meeting between Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro and Ambassador Jing Quan.
The Department of Foreign Affairs summoned the Chinese envoy to convey the Philippines’ serious concern and strong objection to his October 15 remarks, which it described as provocative and unacceptable.
Malacañang, however, said President Marcos does not favor expelling foreign diplomats and prefers addressing the controversy through established diplomatic channels.
The dispute comes amid continuing tensions between Manila and Beijing over developments in the West Philippine Sea.
