(RTVM screenshot)
Malacañang on Tuesday, October 13, maintained that the Philippines continues to have good diplomatic and economic relations with China, stressing that protecting the country’s interests in the West Philippine Sea is a separate issue.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the statement in response to lawyer Salvador Panelo Jr., spokesperson for Vice President Sara Duterte, who said China should not be demonized or used for political propaganda.
“And we are also dealing with China in a very diplomatic manner. So, walang hindi magandang relasyon sa China,” Castro said during a press briefing.
She emphasized that the government remains open to trade and investment with China while asserting Philippine territorial rights.
“There is no prohibition in dealing with China in relation to trade and investment,” Castro said.
“Iba naman ang usapan kung ipinaglalaban natin ang sarili nating teritoryo at ang interes natin sa West Philippine Sea. Magkaiba ‘yun, huwag pagsamahin,” she added.
The Palace official also addressed the controversy surrounding allegations that Duterte had received funds from China.
During his working visit to Singapore on Sunday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. described the allegations as the “most disturbing aspect” of the issue, warning that they could pose a “threat at the highest level” if proven.
Duterte interpreted the President’s remarks as an admission that he had considered her a threat to the country since 2023.
Castro clarified that Marcos was referring to the potential national security implications of foreign funds allegedly being used for political purposes, rather than making a direct accusation against the Vice President.
She urged Duterte’s camp to consider the President’s exact statements before drawing conclusions.
“Huwag agad mag-react nang hindi binabasa kung ano mismo ang salita ng Pangulo dahil ang iyong magiging mensahe ay pawang kasinungalingan o pawang hindi relevant dahil mali,” Castro said.
Castro also questioned the financial transactions of Calle88 Foods Corp., a company allegedly linked to Duterte and her husband, Manases Carpio.
She raised concerns over reports that the company had received substantial funds from abroad despite reportedly employing only two workers.
“Anong klaseng negosyo ito? Bakit dumadami ang pondong pumapasok mula sa ibang bansa? Walang manufacturing establishment tayong nakikita,” Castro said.
“And at the same time, you earn that much with only two employees? That’s alarming,” she added.
However, Castro acknowledged that concerns over possible foreign interference would depend on whether evidence establishes that overseas financial dealings had influenced Philippine politics or government affairs.
“Kung wala namang mapapakitang ebidensya na nagkakaroon ng ganong klaseng negosasyon sa mga dayuhan na nakakaapekto sa pulitika natin, sa gobyerno natin, walang magiging problema, wala magiging isyu,” she said.
The allegations involving foreign funds remain unproven, and the Palace maintained that diplomatic engagement with China should not be confused with questions involving national security.
