Senate majority bloc eyes resolution vs China envoy

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate majority is preparing to file a resolution condemning the recent “hostile” and “threatening” remarks of Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan, with Sen. JV Ejercito calling for the envoy’s immediate replacement.

Speaking to radio dzBB over the weekend, Ejercito revealed that senators have already discussed the matter and are expected to formally file the resolution once plenary session resumes.

“The Chinese ambassador is very rude, very hostile and very undiplomatic. He is (bordering on) threatening,” Ejercito said.

“There are threats already. The statement that if China decided to use force, they can beat us, was made in bad taste,” he added.

The senator urged Beijing to recall and replace its envoy if it genuinely wants to repair its diplomatic relationship with Manila, warning that the current ambassador’s behavior only exacerbates the maritime conflict in the West Philippine Sea.

On the other hand, Ejercito’s half-brother, detained Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, cautioned against hastily declaring Jing persona non grata, urging the government to keep its doors open for dialogue despite the envoy’s “unfortunate and unconstructive” remarks.

While acknowledging the public’s indignation over the ambassador’s recent statements, Estrada warned of the heavy consequences of expelling a foreign diplomat.

“The declaration of persona non grata is easy, but the accountability over its consequences will not be easy to bear,” Estrada said in a statement.

The senator emphasized that the country’s firmness is best demonstrated by standing steadfastly on the 2016 Arbitral Award rather than engaging in a shouting match.

Rebuking the envoy’s threat of force, Estrada noted that “a true friend and neighbor doesn’t boast the capacity to hurt.”

Journalists fire back

Meanwhile, the Defense Press Corps of the Philippines (DPC) took a stand against the Chinese embassy in Manila’s claims that Filipino reporters have limited comprehension of facts but are good at exaggeration.

In a statement yesterday, the DPC took exception to the Chinese embassy’s statement, which claims that Filipino reporters have limited comprehension, exaggerate facts, take things out of context and intentionally create hype.

“While the embassy’s statement did not specifically name the DPC, we, along with journalists covering the West Philippine Sea and relations between the two countries, can clearly discern its disparaging intent,” the DPC said.

The statement came after Jing remarked that China had the capability to use force and defeat the Philippines if it wanted to, but instead chose peace.

While the ambassador’s remarks were reported verbatim in the news articles, the DPC said the resulting political fallout is neither within the control nor the responsibility of journalists.

“Words have consequences. Every statement issued and every interview given carries consequences, whether intended or not. We are often reminded of this principle when the Chinese side issues radio challenges within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone,” the DPC said.

“You bear the responsibility for whatever consequences of your actions,” it added.

Filipino reporters, the DPC said, regularly sail and fly over the West Philippine Sea, where they have witnessed and experienced Chinese aggression at sea.

They have also consistently sought the Chinese side’s view on every issue, including water cannon attacks, collisions and new remarks from Philippine government officials for fair play and balanced reporting.

“It must be difficult for a country without a free press to understand the dynamics of journalistic independence and editorial judgment exercised without state control or oversight,” the DPC said.

“We understand. Not all journalists are as fortunate as those who live and work in a true, albeit imperfect, democracy.” — Pia Lee-Brago