Tarriela slams China Embassy for 'blatant disrespect' to PH officials

MANILA, January 27 ------ Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commodore Jay Tarriela slammed the “brazen and abrasive” statements released by the Chinese Embassy in Manila against Philippine elected officials.

In a statement, Tarriela — the PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) —said the embassy’s statements were “blatant disrespect against Philippine elected officials in our own soil.” “As Filipinos, we must recognize that this attack on our sitting Senators by foreign diplomats is not merely an assault on the Senate as a democratic institution, but a direct challenge to our sovereignty and to the Filipino people as a whole,” he said.

The statement was in response to several social media posts and statements made by Chinese Embassy Deputy Spokesperson Guo Wei against him and several sitting elected officials, including Senators Risa Hontiveros, Erwin Tulfo and Kiko Pangilinan, among others. Guo has since responded to Tarriela, questioning whether he was representing Filipinos and criticized other statements made by government officials in support of Tarriela as “helpers.” “Can’t win the argument, so you call in helpers? When that fails, you fan the flames? Before posting, get one thing straight: every time you speak up, who’s attacking, and who’s defending? A factual response isn’t 'disrespect,' let alone 'assault.' If you invoke the freedom to attack, we have the right to defend,” Guo said.

In a separate statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has made “firm representations” to the Chinese ambassador, stating “serious concerns” with the escalation of public exchanges. “We reiterate our previous statements affirming support for our officials to perform their lawful duties in defense of Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction. Their views, as well as those of disagreeing voices, are an inescapable part of the robust plurality of ideas that animate our democratic society,” the DFA said.

On the other hand, Assistant Director General Cornelio Valencia Jr., National Security Council spokesperson, said the “recent pattern of public statements” made by the Chinese embassy was “undiplomatic and uncalled for.” “The Philippines is a democracy governed by the rule of law. Public officials, spokespersons, and institutions are mandated to inform the Filipino people of developments affecting national security, including activities in the West Philippine Sea. This responsibility does not require approval from any foreign government,” Valencia said.

Source: pna.gov.ph