Lawmakers on Wednesday defended a Senate resolution condemning Chinese Embassy officials for threatening Philippine sovereignty and making provocative statements on West Philippine Sea disputes, refuting their claim that the measure was a “political stunt.”
“A Senate resolution is a legitimate and appropriate tool for legislators to express concern over actions that affect Philippine laws, sovereignty, and national interests. We will not be silenced or deterred by statements from foreign actors,” Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros said in a statement.
According to the senator, the real threat to the Philippines comes from coercive actions by the PLA Navy, Chinese Coast Guard, and Maritime Militia, including ramming Philippine vessels, water cannoning fisherfolk, and restricting freedom of navigation in the country’s exclusive economic zone.
Hontiveros said the Philippines remains open to cooperation and peaceful resolution of disputes, but stressed that China must first stop harassing Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea.
“We will continue to use lawful instruments, including resolutions, to put these matters on record, even if a million statements are made against it. This is our constitutional duty,” she said.
The senator also warned the public to be vigilant against Chinese propaganda and social media disinformation aimed at dividing the nation and distorting facts about maritime rights.
“I likewise urge the immediate passage of the West Philippine Sea Mandatory Education bill I authored this 20th Congress. A public with high maritime domain awareness remains our strongest defense against foreign information manipulation and interference,” Hontiveros added.
Senator Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan, for his part, described the Chinese embassy’s response as undiplomatic and boorish, saying it violates the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and proves China’s disregard for international law.
Lawmakers, he said, will never tolerate or be cowed by foreign actors disrespecting the Philippines in its own territory.
“We reiterate our call for the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) to take the necessary diplomatic measures to uphold the dignity of the Republic of the Philippines and to ensure that relations with other States are conducted in accordance with international law and established principles of State relations,” Pangilinan urged.
Chinese Embassy in the Philippines Spokesman Ji Lingpeng earlier accused Philippine legislators of misleading the public, breaching diplomatic protocol, and undermining bilateral relations for domestic political gain.
