Senate allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who pursued a pro-China foreign policy during his six-year term, did not sign Senate Resolution No. 256 condemning the Chinese Embassy in Manila’s verbal attacks against Philippine officials challenging Beijing’s actions in the West Philippine Sea.
Of the 15 senators who signed the resolution, only Senator Jinggoy Estrada from the minority bloc joined, consistent with his stance against China’s incursions. Duterte’s close allies—including Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano and Senators Robin Padilla, Imee Marcos, Bong Go, Rodante Marcoleta, and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa—did not support the measure.
Among the signatories were Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Majority Leader Migz Zubiri, and Senators Kiko Pangilinan, Erwin Tulfo, Risa Hontiveros, Raffy Tulfo, Sherwin Gatchalian, Loren Legarda, JV Ejercito, Bam Aquino, Lito Lapid, and Mark and Camille Villar.
Senator Pia Cayetano was the only member of the majority bloc who also withheld her signature.
In censuring the Chinese Embassy’s remarks, the resolution stated that the statements were made in a “manner inconsistent with the restraint, courtesy and responsibility expected in diplomatic communications.”
“(The) official statements by a foreign diplomatic mission that restrict or challenge the actions of Philippine officials in the course of their official functions contradict the principles of mutual respect and non-interference,” the resolution read.
It further emphasized: “(T)he peaceful and lawful assertion of sovereign rights by Philippine officials and institutions does not characterize aggression or provocation, but is a recognized exercise of state authority under international law.”