By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
Malacañang on Wednesday acknowledged calls for action against Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan over his controversial remarks but cautioned against hasty decisions that could affect Filipinos in China.
In a Palace press briefing, Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said strong reactions from lawmakers and the public were understandable given concerns over Philippine sovereignty and national interests.
She assured the public that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remains firm in protecting Philippine territory and maritime rights, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.
“Ang mga nagbibigay ng ganiyang matatapang na opinyon dahil sila ay nakakaramdam ng sakit, pang-iinsulto dahil tayo ay mapagmahal sa bansa.”
Usec. Castro said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) had already expressed its displeasure over the Chinese envoy’s remarks about China’s use of force in maritime zones.
Asked about Senate resolutions urging President Marcos Jr. to declare Jing persona non grata, Usec. Castro said the President would not prevent lawmakers from pursuing their respective initiatives.
She cautioned, however, against making decisions in the heat of the moment, citing possible repercussions for Filipinos living in China, “Minsan kapag mainit ang ulo mo, minsan hindi ka nakakapag-isip nang maayos. Although valid ang nararamdaman natin, meron tayong mga kababayan din sa bansang Tsina na dapat din nating protektahan.”
Unfazed
The Malacañang official also said the President was not backing down on protecting Philippine interests, citing the government’s continued efforts to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities.
She said appropriate measures to safeguard Philippine territory and maritime rights would continue to be discussed, “Kung ano at kung paano ito ipapatupad para mas maprotektahan ang ating bansa, ito po ay pag-uusapan. Hindi dapat magpadalos-dalos ng anumang desisyon.”
Asked whether the Chief Executive would meet with the Chinese ambassador, Usec. Castro said the President had made no official announcement regarding such a meeting.
She also urged the public not to let the controversy distract them from other issues requiring scrutiny, including allegations of Chinese funding for Vice President Sara Duterte.
Usec. Castro said the allegations warranted further investigation because of their potential national security implications.
“Ang nais natin muna sa mga ganitong mga maiinit na palitan na mga salita, huwag po tayong maligaw. May issue pa tayong dapat kaharapin kung totoo bang nagbibigay ng pondo ang ibang bansa sa bise presidente.”
She warned that the controversy could overshadow the need to investigate the allegations, “Baka dahil sa ingay na ito, nililigaw tayo. So, huwag nating kalimutan na dapat pang maimbestigahan ang issue na ito.”
