By Wilnard Bacelonia | Philippine News Agency
The Senate on Monday adopted a resolution condemning remarks by the Chinese Embassy in Manila against Filipino lawmakers and government officials, framing the move as an assertion of legislative independence amid tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The chamber approved Senate Resolution 256, subject to amendments, following interpellation and manifestations during plenary deliberations.
Senator Francis Pangilinan said the Philippines seeks to manage maritime and territorial disputes separately from economic engagement, underscoring a calibrated approach to relations with Beijing.
“Up to a certain extent, yes, definitely, we hope we could be able to distinguish between our territorial disputes, as well as our desire for greater trade with China. We’d like to see something like that, yes,” Sen. Pangilinan said.
He, however, emphasized that policy choices must ultimately favor the national interest, particularly as tensions rise in the WPS.
“It would be difficult to be out and out pro-China, especially when it comes to policies that affect our national interest. I will have to qualify (that) you can be pro-Philippines without being anti-China as a general proposition, but when conflict arises, obviously between China’s interest and ours, then clearly, we stand by the national interest,” he said.
The resolution follows criticism directed at Pangilinan and fellow lawmakers who publicly defended Philippine rights in the WPS.
Lawmakers said the Senate’s action reflects institutional solidarity and support for statements issued by the defense establishment, including the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, reaffirming the country’s claims and the protection of Filipino fisherfolk and personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard against harassment.
By adopting the measure, the Senate signaled that while diplomacy and trade remain vital, foreign pressure directed at Philippine institutions will be met with a unified, sovereignty-first response. (PNA)
