Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Jay Tarriela has expressed support for Malacañang’s decision not to declare Chinese diplomats persona non grata, calling it a measure of last resort.
“I support the position of Malacañang. The President has already spoken—it is a last resort for us to do ang pagpa-persona non grata sa kahit sa sinong opisyal ng embahada, hindi lamang sa China but for all other countries,” Tarriela said in a television interview.
“So I support the decision of President Marcos of not declaring persona ng data ang sinumang miyembro ng Chinese embassy,” he added.
His remarks came amid calls from senators to expel certain Chinese diplomats following their criticisms of Filipino lawmakers and Coast Guard officials.
Kalayaan, Palawan’s municipal government even issued a symbolic persona non grata declaration.
Addressing concerns raised by Senator Robin Padilla about possible escalation, Tarriela emphasized the government’s commitment to diplomacy.
“Tatlong taon na natinitindigan ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos ang ating karapatan sa West Philippine Sea, at hindi naman tayo nag-i-expect na umabot dyan,” he said.
“Gaya ng sinabi ni Pangulong Marcos, naniniwala tayo sa diplomasya, itong ating pangunahing hakbang para maayos ang ating gusot sa bansang China,” he added.
Tarriela clarified that the Philippines was not provoking China, noting that public communication is part of their duty.
“Ang paglalahad ng tamang impormasyon sa publiko ay obligasyon lamang natin lahat para sa maintindihan ng ating mga kababayan kung ano nangyayari dito,” he said.
“And I don’t think that this is something that will be interpreted that would eventually result in a kinetic conflict,” he added.