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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH maritime spokesman urges Chinese embassy to 'be constructive' amid word war

PH maritime spokesman urges Chinese embassy to 'be constructive' amid word war

Published Feb 11, 2026 06:17 pm
DFA Maritime Affairs spokesman Rogelio Villanueva
DFA Maritime Affairs spokesman Rogelio Villanueva
The Philippines’ first-ever maritime affairs spokesman has urged the Chinese embassy in Manila to “be constructive in its statements” amid its escalating word war with Filipino officials.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Maritime Affairs spokesman Rogelio Villanueva on Wednesday, Feb. 11, made the call, adding that China must do so “despite major differences.”
That’s with the “view to advance the overall bilateral relationship,” Villanueva added.
In a video statement, Villanueva said the agency values candid and vigorous debate with its foreign counterparts on important issues that are consistent with the Philippines’ democratic tradition.
“While indeed the embassies have the duty to respond, the DFA urges that such responses be made in a calm and professional manner, conscious of the mutual respect that must prevail in all diplomatic interactions,” he said.
Villanueva was appointed on Monday, Feb. 9, just as the word war between Philippine officials and Chinese diplomats in Manila continues.
His appointment was made in response to President Marcos' order to bolster the agency's "central role in state-to-state engagement and to prioritize diplomacy in advancing the national interest."

Related Tags

DFA Chinese Embassy in Manila West Philippine Sea Rogelio Villanueva maritime affairs PH-China
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