Erwin Tulfo files resolution urging PH to send Chinese envoy home over remarks

MANILA (UPDATED) — Sen. Erwin Tulfo has filed a resolution calling on the Department of Foreign Affairs to recommend declaring Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan persona non grata over his remarks, including a comment that the DFA called a “thinly veiled threat” of force.

A resolution, if adopted, expresses a body’s sentiment or position on an issue but is not binding on the executive branch.

Tulfo’s resolution also urges the Senate to express its serious concern Jing’s remarks.

“The diplomatic relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China must be anchored on mutual respect, constructive engagement, and peaceful dialogue,” Tulfo said in the resolution.

Meanwhile, at the House, Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima has called on the executive branch to “seriously consider” declaring Jing persona non grata if he does not take back his remarks or apologize for them.

The Chinese Embassy last week acknowledged talk of expelling the envoy and dared the Philippine government to stop bluffing and “just do it”.  

De Lima said that Jing’s remarks could warrant a declaration if he does not walk back or apologize for the remarks. 

“He’s a guest here, so he must behave accordingly,” she said as she described the ambassador’s demeanor as harsh and hostile.

She added it is “extremely important” for the House of Representatives to show solidarity in condemning such remarks. 

Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said decisions on foreign policy are up to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who, he said, could summon the Chinese ambassador or send him home.

The Chinese Embassy has made reference to “anti-China politicians”, saying “while diplomacy is based on reciprocity, we will not welcome them to China.”

De Lima said that would be a prerogative of China’s government but also asked why Filipinos are expected to hold their comments on Beijing’s alleged provocation.

Ridon also challenged China to make a new list of Filipino officials who are not welcome there if they wish.

China had previously announced that Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino are barred from the mainland, Hong Kong and Macau.

Makabayan lawmakers, meanwhile, called on all parties in what it called a “war of words” between Philippine officials and Chinese diplomats to deescalate and “return to the path of sober, principled diplomacy.” 

The exchanges “have now reached the point of open taunting” and “reckless” dares, ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio, Gabriela party-list Rep. Sarah Elago, and Kabataan party-list Rep. Renee Co said in a statement.

They also asked the executive department to “pursue diplomatic channels with urgency and seriousness, to exhaust all mechanisms of peaceful dialogue in defending our maritime entitlements, and to refrain from gestures that inflame rather than resolve.”

The lawmakers also clarified they stand firm against China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea.

“We likewise call on China to match words with deeds—to cease its aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea and to treat its neighbor with the respect due a fellow sovereign nation,” the statement reads.

The lawmakers additionally warned against those who could take advantage of the situation “to advance their own agendas”.