Senate President Win Gatchalian criticized a China-based media outlet’s portrayal of Filipinos in a racist video, saying freedom of expression does not justify dehumanization or attacks against a people’s dignity.
Gatchalian was referring to a July 10 video depicting Filipinos as monkeys in relation to the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.
“Freedom of expression, even in political disputes, is not a license to dehumanize people. Racism has no space in any society that values truth and civility,” Gatchalian said.
The Senate President called for a return to respectful and reasoned discussions between nations, urging media organizations and institutions to exercise greater responsibility in producing and sharing content.
“Disagreements between nations should sharpen our reasoning, not our prejudices. We call on all sides to be more circumspect, and to choose dialogue over derision,” he said.
Gatchalian emphasized that media and communication platforms in a free society carry a social responsibility to promote truth and civility in public discourse.
“Kinukundena natin ang pang-aabuso at pangungutya sa dignidad ng mga Pilipino. Malaki ang responsibilidad ng media sa paghubog ng pananaw ng mga bansa sa isa’t isa, at hindi ito dapat gamitin sa maling paraan,” he added.
The Senate leader said discussions involving international disputes should be grounded on facts and mutual respect rather than insults or discriminatory portrayals.