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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DFA supports PH officials confronting China on WPS issues

DFA supports PH officials confronting China on WPS issues

Published Jan 21, 2026 04:00 pm
A man holds the flags of China and the Philippines. (AP Photo)
A man holds the flags of China and the Philippines. (AP Photo)
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has expressed full support for Philippine government officials who are asserting the country's rights over the West Philippine Sea and calling out Chinese actions in the waters after being threatened by Beijing of "paying a price" for what they are doing.
In response to China's Foreign Ministry's warning against Filipino officials, the DFA said in a statement on Wednesday, Jan. 21, that it is affirming its support for publicly elected officials and government institutions performing their lawful duties in defense of Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.
The DFA then stressed that "differences between states are best addressed through established diplomatic channels rather than public exchanges."
The agency also showed no sign of yielding to more assertive positions made by Beijing as its embassy in Manila recently became more active in justifying its claims over the South China Sea by countering each and every Filipino government official on social media.
"In firm and consistent fashion, the DFA will continue to articulate the Philippines' positions on the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, which are grounded in international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award," it said.
On Tuesday, Jan. 21, Senator Risa Hontiveros urged the DFA to act on the Chinese Embassy in Manila's "public attacks against government officials defending the Philippines’ position in the West Philippine Sea, particularly a recent social media post assailing Commodore Jay Tariela."
Hontiveros sought clarification from DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro on what the agency does to ensure that diplomatic missions in the country respect the limits of diplomatic conduct and refrain from targeting Filipino officials.
The Chinese embassy in Manila was once hit by another lawmaker, Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, for becoming like a Chinese troll.
The embassy had engaged in a word war multiple times with various Filipino officials, including Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman Jay Tarriela, De Lima, Senator Kiko Pangilinan, Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno, and the National Maritime Council (NMC).

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PH-China DFA West Philippine Sea South China Sea
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