‘Layas!’: Senators slam China over public targeting of officials

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January 26, 2026 | 6:46pm

MANILA, Philippines — Tensions rose at the Senate as lawmakers tackled the Chinese Embassy's series public rebukes of Philippine officials who spoke out against China and its vessels' harassments of Filipinos in the West Philippine Sea. 

In a privilege speech on Monday, January 26, Sen. Risa Hontiveros criticized the Chinese Embassy for publicly targeting Filipino officials, including herself, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela, and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan.

Hontiveros said there appeared to be a "coordinated attack" online and urged the Senate to probe possible information operations linked to China.

"Panahon na para malaman talaga natin kung sino ang kumikikita, sino ang nag-aamplify, at sino ang mistulang megaphone ng China dito sa Pilipinas. Kung naaatim nilang magtatrabaho laban sa sarili nilang bayan, hindi na diskarte yan. Pagtataksil na yan sa Inang Bayan," Hontiveros said.

(It is time that we find out who is making money, who is amplifying, and who are the ones being used as a megaphone of China in the Philippines. If they want to work against their own nation, it is not just hustling. It is treachery against the motherland.) 

Senators reject China's criticism

Hontiveros said China has no right to portray itself as a victim, citing repeated incidents of harassment against Philippine vessels and encroachment in national waters.

Sen. Erwin Tulfo also criticized China, saying it must respect the Philippines' right to free speech.

"Let me say this then, Mr. President: If you do not like how democracy works in this country, then you are free to leave the Philippines. Get the … out!" Tulfo said.

"To the Chinese Embassy officials: You do not have the moral authority to lecture Filipinos about freedom of speech—because freedom of speech does not exist in your country. It is not practiced. It is not protected. It is punished," he added.

Reaction to Chinese warning

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier warned that Philippine officials who spread what it characterized as disinformation would "pay the price."

Tulfo called the statement unacceptable, saying China cannot police the free speech of Filipinos.

Senators later signed Senate Resolution No. 256 condemning the recent statements of the Chinese Embassy. The measure was signed by 15 senators.