MANILA, Philippines – On the Senate’s first day back in session, senators Risa Hontiveros and Erwin Tulfo condemned the remarks of Chinese officials against them and other Philippine officials, including their fellow senator Kiko Pangilinan.

In a privilege speech during the Senate plenary session on Monday, January 26, Hontiveros pointed out that Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun warned Philippine officials that they will “pay a price” for supposedly making provocations against Beijing.

The Senate deputy majority leader also said the Chinese embassy in Manila violated Article 41 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which ensures foreign envoys do not interfere in their host state’s internal affairs.

“No embassy gets to decide who among Filipino officials is ‘qualified’ to speak on Philippine interests,” Hontiveros said.

Play Video

Hontiveros also slammed the embassy’s remarks against Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, and likened the embassy’s word wars to troll farm operations. She urged the Senate to investigate Chinese disinformation networks in the Philippines.

“Operation na ‘yan eh, at ‘yang kabit-kabit at coordinated attacks nila, matagal nang babala sa atin ng AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines). Hangad nilang hatiin tayong mga Pilipino at ang hanay ng militar, guluhin ang isip ng taumbayan, at pahinain ang loob natin sa West Philippine Sea,” she said.

(It’s an operation, and the AFP already warned us a long time ago about their coordinated attacks. These aim to divide us Filipinos and the military, mess with the minds of the public, and weaken our morale in the West Philippine Sea.)

In his own privilege speech, Tulfo criticized the Chinese embassy for lecturing Philippine officials on the limits of free speech.

“Our government officials spoke only the truth. They defended our sovereignty. They spoke as public servants of a democratic republic. They are correct — and the Chinese government is wrong,” he said.

Hontiveros earlier wrote to Foreign Secretary Tess Lazaro regarding the matter, seeking “decisive action.” The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday said it made “firm representations” to Beijing’s envoy in Manila.

“While the Philippines values debate on our differences in national positions, the department recognizes the need for sober, professional, and respectful exchanges in the public sphere. Such is not contradictory to the national interest,” the DFA wrote.

Pangilinan, who was also caught in a heated exchange with the Chinese embassy, filed a Senate resolution condemning the embassy’s actions. He said at least 15 senators have signed the proposed resolution so far, and they will formally vote on its adoption during the plenary session on Tuesday, January 27. – Rappler.com