Former Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert Ace Barbers urged local government officials prioritizing China’s interests over the Philippines to step down from their positions.
”The issue is not whether one is pro-China, pro-America, or aligned with any other foreign power. The only acceptable position for every public servant is to be unequivocally pro-Philippines,” Barbers stated on Saturday, August 8.
Barbers, currently serving as an impeachment adviser to the House of Representatives, explained that his call applies to any official advocating positions that systematically favor China to the detriment of national interests.
He stressed that all government personnel—elected or appointed—are bound by an oath to defend the Constitution, safeguard the republic, and maintain sole loyalty to the Filipino people.
Promoting the strategic agenda of a foreign nation, he added, directly breaches that public trust.
“Public office demands one allegiance dahil hindi ito “dual citizenship” – isang bandila lang ang dapat pinaglingkuran mo at ‘yan ay kung sino ang nagpapa-sweldo sa yo.. an official of this govt requires undivided loyalty.”
The former legislator noted that government personnel participate in flag ceremonies every week, pledging allegiance to the nation.
He clarified that his remarks target state officials wielding power over diplomacy and national security rather than ordinary citizens expressing personal foreign policy views.
“Rather it is addressed to government officials who occupy positions of public trust, where their words, decisions, and policy recommendations directly affect national security, diplomacy, and the welfare of the Filipino people,” he said.
Echoing earlier calls by Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr., Barbers suggested that voluntary resignation would preserve the integrity of state institutions and ensure public policy remains uncompromised by foreign influence.
“Public office demands not only competence but also the confidence of the people that government decisions are made exclusively in the national interest,” he said.