The Senate is set to approve on Wednesday a resolution condemning statements made by the Chinese Embassy in Manila that criticized several Philippine government officials, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said.
Sotto explained that the move is an assertion of the country’s freedom of expression, especially amid escalating tensions caused by China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea.
“Ngayong araw na ito ipapasa namin yun. Yung pinagsasabi nung opisyal ng Chinese Embassy, tapos umaangal sila sa sinasabi ng ating mga opisyal… Sabi ko nga, part of the freedom of expression natin yun,” Sotto said in a radio interview.
At least 15 senators have already signed the draft resolution, which denounces what lawmakers described as verbal tirades from the Chinese Embassy following criticisms raised by Philippine officials against Beijing.
Sotto stressed that the Philippines should not back down in the face of foreign pressure, saying the Senate has a responsibility to speak out.
“Ibig ba sabihin, dahil hindi nila gusto yung sinasabi ng mga opisyal natin, we will just cower. Tayo ba ay basta na lang tatanggap tayo na mag papa-bully tayo? Hindi naman pwede. Kailangan pumalag tayo,” he said.
Earlier, Sotto had floated the idea of declaring a Chinese Embassy official persona non grata, but President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. later ruled this out, reiterating that disputes would continue to be addressed through diplomatic channels.