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Photo courtesy of Senate of the Philippines.
The Senate on Monday February 9 approved and adopted a resolution condemning statements issued by the Chinese Embassy in Manila that criticized Philippine officials and institutions for asserting the country’s national sovereignty.
Senate Resolution No. 256 denounces the language used by a Chinese embassy official against Filipino officials who had spoken out on China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea.
The measure also affirms the Philippine government’s right and responsibility to present and defend its official positions and national interests in line with international law.
The resolution was authored by Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and was signed by several senators prior to its adoption.
During deliberations, Pangilinan engaged in a debate with Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano over remarks made by Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela.
Cayetano questioned Tarriela’s use of a caricature depicting Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying it was inappropriate.
“We cannot pass this resolution saying that Commodore Tarriela is correct because he’s wrong,” Cayetano said during his interpellation.
Pangilinan, however, defended Tarriela and maintained that the broader issue was the right of Philippine officials to assert national interests. He also cited a separate statement from the Department of National Defense condemning the remarks attributed to the Chinese side.
After nearly three hours of debate and a series of amendments, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri moved for the adoption of the revised resolution. Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III approved the motion after no objections were raised on the floor.
The resolution also calls on the Department of Foreign Affairs to undertake appropriate diplomatic steps to uphold the country’s dignity and ensure that relations with other states are conducted in accordance with international law and established principles of state relations.