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Pia Lee-Brago - The Philippine Star
January 26, 2026 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — The National Security Council (NSC) yesterday reminded China that the Philippines is a democracy governed by the rule of law and public officials and institutions informing Filipinos of developments in the West Philippine Sea “do not require approval from any foreign government.”
“The National Security Council views the recent pattern of public statements of the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy in Manila as undiplomatic and uncalled for. The concern extends beyond individual officials to the broader impact on Philippine institutions,” NSC spokesman Cornelio Valencia Jr. said in a statement.
The response comes as China publicly criticized Philippine officials who are speaking out on West Philippine Sea (WPS) issues, with Beijing even summoning Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime FlorCruz.
The Philippines reiterated that disagreements between states must be addressed through established diplomatic channels, like the existing Bilateral Consultation Mechanism, consistent with international law and diplomatic norms.
“Public messaging that intimidates, threatens or seeks to silence Philippine officials performing their lawful duties is inconsistent with the spirit and obligations of diplomatic engagement and clearly violates the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations,” Valencia said.
The NSC reminded China that an independent tribunal constituted under United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea issued an arbitral award in favor of the Philippines, which invalidated China’s so-called nine-dash line as having no legal basis and affirming the Philippines’ maritime rights in its exclusive economic zone. This ruling supported by numerous nations remains a cornerstone of international law and stability.
“China’s continued refusal to abide with the 2016 Arbitral Award and its self-serving reinterpretations of international law – clearly revisionist and discredited – is the source of tensions in the West Philippine Sea,” Valencia said. “Its illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive behavior escalates tensions, threatens regional security, and infringes on the sovereign rights of coastal states, not only the Philippines.”
The Philippines vowed to continue to uphold its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea, grounded in international law.
“We will do so calmly, firmly and without being distracted by attempts to shift the discussion away from the real issue: unlawful, coercive, and destabilizing actions at sea and in the public space that threaten regional peace and security,” Valencia said.
The Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) strongly condemned on Saturday the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson calling the behavior of Philippine uniformed service members “despicable.”
Defense spokesman Arsenio Andolong said the DND and AFP will continue to speak against China’s lies and will not be cowed by any Chinese official.
China’s new Ambassador Jing Quan warned on Tuesday that China will “push back firmly without hesitation” against the spread of fake news demeaning to Beijing and exhorted members of the media to “uphold objectivity and fairness.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stood by Philippine officials and government institutions defending Philippine sovereignty amid China’s verbal aggression.
“In response to the remarks made recently by the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman, the DFA affirms its support for publicly elected officials and government institutions performing their lawful duties in defense of Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction,” the DFA said in a statement Wednesday.
The DFA reiterated that “differences between States are best addressed through established diplomatic channels rather than public exchanges.”
New target
After attacking Philippine officials and institutions, the Chinese embassy yesterday shifted its focus on think tank Stratbase, accusing it of advancing inflammatory narratives against China.
Guo Wei, deputy spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Manila, said China has shown the greatest possible goodwill, restraint, and humanitarian consideration toward Philippine fishermen, and has on many occasions rescued fishermen stranded at sea.
“Yet Stratbase turns a blind eye to China’s goodwill and instead echoes the ‘Transparency Initiative’ to hype up differences and disputes, misleading public opinion,” Guo said.
China, he said, welcomes constructive dialogue and discussion, including on differences and disputes, but opposes groundless attacks and smears.
“Make no mistake. If anyone spreads falsehoods, wantonly smears China, or incites hatred, we will not remain patient or silent and will respond without hesitation,” Guo said, reiterating the embassy’s threat.
Erwin: No right to censure
For Sen. Erwin Tulfo, the Chinese embassy in Manila has “no right” to censure Philippine officials for speaking out on WPS issues.
“If Chinese embassy officials do not like how democracy works in the Philippines, they can leave anytime,” he said.
“Our house, our rules. Freedom of speech is in our Constitution,” Tulfo added.
The senator further contrasted the Philippines’ democratic system with China’s political environment.
“They cannot do it their way here because there is no freedom of speech in their country. Critics there are jailed, media is silenced, and opinions are controlled,” he noted. — Neil Jayson Servallos
