Bataan 1st district Rep. Geraldine Roman has clarified that the Philippines’ apprehension toward China is not about being anti-China but about standing up to activities that infringe upon the country’s activities.

Roman agreed with La Union 1st District Rep. Paolo Ortega when he said in a press conference on Monday, Feb. 3, that Filipino voters must be wary of and reject candidates who serve as a mouthpiece for Beijing.

For Roman, while diplomatic engagements with China is necessary, the Philippines must stand firm when it comes to territorial sovereignty and national security.

"You know what, we are not anti-China. We are against the activities that infringe on our sovereignty and endanger our territorial integrity. Of course, necessarily, we have to engage with them sa [in] trade relations, diplomatic relations. There are also many Filipinos in China. But ibang usapin na itong pagdating sa ating teritoryo (But it is already a different story if it's about territory),” Roman said.

Roman called on Filipino voters to scrutinize the candidates they support and ensure that their loyalty lies with the country, not with foreign interests.

“Kaya nga, importante na maging mapanuri ang lahat ng mga botanteng Pilipino. Mawala ng lahat huwag lang ang pakiramdam. Suriin natin ang ating mga kandidato, especially ‘yung mga nasa Senado. Let’s feel, let’s try to read between the lines. Kanino ba talaga ang kanilang loyalty? (That's why it's important for Filipino voters to be critical. We could lose everything, except our critical thinking. Let's look into our candidates, especially those in the Senate) Let's feel, let's try to read between the lines. Who are they loyal to?),” Roman said.

While Filipino citizenship is a constitutional requirement for candidates, true loyalty to the country goes beyond legal status, she said.

She stressed the need to elect senators who genuinely work for the welfare of the people, rather than those who prioritize personal and foreign interests.