Senator Erwin Tulfo on Sunday lashed out at the Chinese Embassy in Manila for criticizing statements made by Philippine officials on the West Philippine Sea, stressing that Beijing has no authority to police speech in a democratic country.
“Wala kayong karapatan na sitahin ang mga opisyal namin sa mga pahayag nila hinggil sa pagkamkam ninyo sa aming mga teritoryo,” Tulfo said in a statement, responding to remarks from Chinese Embassy Deputy Spokesman Guo Wei.
Guo had earlier warned that freedom of speech should not be used to malign others, particularly foreign leaders.
His comments came after Philippine Coast Guard West Philippine Sea spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela posted an AI-generated video depicting Chinese President Xi Jinping angrily flexing his muscles while holding a small boat with the Philippine flag.
Tulfo dismissed the embassy’s position, saying China’s views on speech have no place in the Philippines’ political culture.
“Kung hindi gusto ng Chinese Embassy officials kung papaano gumagana ang demokrasya sa Pilipinas, maaari silang lumayas anytime,” he said.
The senator underscored that free expression is protected under Philippine law.
“Our house…our rules. Freedom of Speech is in our Constitution,” he said.
He contrasted the Philippines’ democratic system with China’s political environment.
“Palibhasa walang freedom of speech sa kanilang bansa dahil ang mga kritiko ikinukulong, ang media pinapatahimik, at ang opinyon kinokontrol doon,” Tulfo said.
He added: “If you want respect from Filipinos then respect our Constitution. Respect our officials. Respect our freedom of speech. And respect the simple truth that this is not your country.”
Tulfo has been a vocal critic of China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea, consistently defending the country’s sovereignty and democratic values against foreign interference.