Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday pressed the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to take firm action against what she described as improper public attacks by the Chinese Embassy on Philippine officials, warning that silence could embolden foreign interference in domestic affairs.
Her appeal came after the embassy posted on social media targeting Commodore Jay Tariela, spokesperson of the Philippine Coast Guard for the West Philippine Sea.
In a letter to Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Hontiveros asked the DFA to outline its plan to ensure foreign missions adhere to acceptable diplomatic conduct.
“Binabastos na nga ng Tsina ang ating karagatan, binabastos pa ang mga opisyal natin. We must not allow the Chinese Embassy— or any embassy, for that matter— to disrespect public servants who are simply defending what is rightfully ours. I expect the DFA to take this matter seriously,” Hontiveros said.
She emphasized that disputes between states should be handled through formal diplomatic channels, not public messaging campaigns aimed at individuals.
Failure to confront such actions, she warned, risks weakening institutions and endangering those tasked with defending national interests.
“Masyado namang pa-victim ang Chinese Embassy. It is their country that fires water cannons at our personnel, threatens our fisherfolk, and destroys our marine environment,” she said.
“We, Filipino public servants, will continue to speak the truth— and if that hurts their fragile egos, so be it,” she added.
Hontiveros’ call highlights growing tensions in Philippine-China relations, particularly over the West Philippine Sea, where confrontations have repeatedly tested diplomatic boundaries.