Senator Marcos calls for sobriety amid word war between some Philippine, Chinese officials

Senator Imee Marcos, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, on Wednesday, January 28, exhorted public officials to refrain from intemperate language and public sparring on matters involving foreign affairs, warning that reckless rhetoric could undermine diplomatic efforts and harm the country’s international standing.

Marcos filed Senate Resolution No. 267, calling for sobriety, professionalism, and discipline in public communications amid escalating exchanges between Philippine and Chinese officials.

“I do not seek to silence debate, suppress patriotism, or diminish the right of officials to defend Philippine sovereignty,” Marcos said.

“But reckless statements and intemperate rhetoric can have real consequences on bilateral relations and our ability to protect national interests, particularly in sensitive areas such as the maritime domain,” she added.

The senator cited repeated advisories from the Department of Foreign Affairs cautioning against public exchanges that could escalate tensions, stressing that differences between states are best addressed through established diplomatic channels rather than public confrontation.

“We have to trust and respect the mandate of the Department of Foreign Affairs,” she said.

“Under the law, the DFA is the lead agency in the conduct of our foreign relations, and it must be given the necessary latitude to manage tensions, preserve diplomatic space, and advance our national interest,” she added.

The DFA recently lodged “firm representations” with the Chinese Embassy — a formal diplomatic protest — after embassy statements on social media directly called out Philippine officials by name, including Senators Risa Hontiveros, Kiko Pangilinan, and Erwin Tulfo, and Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela over their criticisms of China’s maritime actions.

The public exchanges escalated after the arrival of China’s new ambassador, Jing Quan, in December 2025 and a series of blunt rebuttals to Philippine statements defending the country’s sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Beijing accused Tarriela of making “reckless” and “malicious provocations,” while Philippine officials have maintained their duty to assert sovereign claims.

China also summoned the Philippine ambassador in Beijing on January 22 to demand Manila rein in Tarriela’s comments, describing them as a violation of diplomatic norms. Tarriela responded that Beijing’s pressure itself breached the Vienna Convention by interfering in the Philippines’ internal affairs.

The DFA said it supports its officials’ rightful defense of national sovereignty, but called for sober, professional and respectful exchanges to avoid derailing diplomacy, particularly as Manila and Beijing continue to engage on a long‑delayed Code of Conduct for the South China Sea with ASEAN partners and hold political dialogues on maritime issues.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has acknowledged the public spat and urged “firm action with diplomacy,” while officials have stressed that severe measures — such as declaring diplomats persona non grata — should be considered only as last resorts given potential reciprocal consequences.

-Paraluman News