Malacañang said any move to declare Chinese embassy officials persona non grata would be treated as a last resort, stressing that such action carries serious diplomatic consequences and must be carefully weighed.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro relayed the position of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) following proposals in Congress and actions by some local governments calling for Chinese diplomatic personnel to be declared persona non grata over an intensified word war with Philippine officials over the West Philippine Sea.

In a press briefing on Thursday, Jan. 29, Castro read the DFA statement warning that the declaration is “one of the most severe forms of diplomatic action” and is second only to the downgrading of diplomatic relations.

She said the DFA emphasized that the measure should only be considered when relations have “seriously fractured,” and no other remedy can stabilize engagement.

The DFA warned that declaring persona non grata carries “tremendous implications,” including possible reciprocal actions and countermeasures that could affect broader Philippine strategic interests.

According to the DFA, such decisions “should not be made lightly” and must be approached with clear preparation for their long-term impact on foreign relations.

Castro said the Palace shares this view and supports allowing the DFA sufficient space to manage sensitive diplomatic issues through established channels.

She added that President Marcos is aware of the growing exchanges between Philippine and Chinese officials and remains in close coordination with DFA Secretary Tess Lazaro.

She likewise noted that the President’s position is consistent with the DFA’s policy guidance on handling the issue.

Asked whether the Palace is inclined to deescalate or take firmer action amid what some lawmakers describe as a “word war,” Castro said the two approaches are not mutually exclusive.

“Puwede naman pong pagsamahin; puwede naman pong magkaroon ng firm action with diplomacy (These can be combined; there can be firm action with diplomacy),” she said.

The DFA earlier said it remains committed to advancing national interests through dialogue and consultation rather than public discourse, in line with President Marcos’ vision as architect of Philippine foreign policy. It ha also backed Filipino officials who are speaking out about the issue on the West Philippine Sea.