Akbayan Party-list Representative Perci Cendaña raised concern over the Chinese Embassy’s warning that millions of Filipino jobs could be at risk amid calls to replace Beijing’s envoy in Manila.
“I express alarm at the recent tirade of the Chinese Embassy warning the loss of millions of jobs in the Philippines in response to calls and statements made by Filipino legislators in the defense of the country’s sovereignty,” Cendaña said.
He described the remarks as a veiled threat to the nation’s economy and security.
“It is worrying that official representatives of the Chinese government would casually use threats as if economic hostage-taking was a valid recourse in diplomatic disputes,” he added.
Cendaña recalled that China had previously retaliated in 2011 by banning Philippine bananas and pineapples during the Bajo de Masinloc standoff.
“Nakakapanlumo na binubully na nga ang ating mga mangingisda sa WPS, ngayon pati buong bansa pinagbabantaan ng China,” he said.
The lawmaker emphasized that the Philippines has consistently followed legal and diplomatic norms despite Chinese Navy and Coast Guard actions in the West Philippine Sea.
He also urged the government to safeguard Filipinos in China, Macau, and Hong Kong, citing past instances of alleged “hostage diplomacy.”
The embassy’s warning came after spokesperson Ji Lingpeng rebuked senators who suggested recalling Ambassador Jing Quan, dismissing the move as political posturing.