The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) pushed back against criticism from whom it called “casual commentators” and “self-styled extras,” saying it will not allow performative rhetoric to distract from its diplomatic work in defending Philippine maritime interests.

In remarks reaffirming the agency’s stance, the DFA Spokesperson for Maritime Affairs Rogelio Villanueva underscored that the agency’s actions remain anchored on safeguarding sovereignty and advancing national interest through principled engagement.

In a press briefing on Friday, Feb. 13, Villanueva said the DFA remains firm in its mandate to assert Philippine positions in the maritime domain through diplomacy, and that it will continue pursuing engagement grounded in professionalism and respect in dealing with foreign counterparts.

“The DFA will continue to champion the Philippine position in the maritime domain through the effective use of diplomacy to facilitate responsible and principled approaches that lead to positive outcomes,” he said.

“To help achieve this, we will continue to engage our counterparts in a firm and professional manner consistent with the worldwide respect that must prevail in all diplomatic interactions,” he added.

Villanueva stressed that the DFA’s approach follows the directive of President Marcos as chief architect of foreign policy and would not be shaped by public theatrics.

“The DFA will continue to be guided by the President's directive as the chief architect of Philippine foreign policy, and not to allow ourselves to be sidetracked by the jeers of some casual commentators, non-practitioners, and self-styled extras,” he said.

Villanueva emphasized that diplomacy must balance complexity and substance, warning against approaches driven by optics rather than outcomes.

“The DFA's professional diplomacy ensures that the substance, intricacies, and nuances that drive diplomatic interactions are not trapped within inflexible walls that offer no meaningful alternatives, only immediate gratification, and are inimical to the national interests in the long run,” he said.

“While performative rhetoric is a reality in modern public discourse, the DFA has long ago resolved to conduct our work with the national interests as the sole consideration,” he added.

Villanueva also clarified public misconceptions surrounding correspondence between Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Sen. Risa Hontiveros.

“There were those who wrongly thought that the letter of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro to Senator Risa Hontiveros was leaked, when in fact the Secretary gave permission to the good senator to release it to the public,” Villanueva said.

Villanueva’s statement came after China’s embassy in Manila urged the Philippines to speak with a “unified and constructive voice” as it blamed Filipino officials for triggering recent exchanges amid calls for calm and professional diplomatic engagement despite tensions.

In a Facebook post, Chinese Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng said the recent public exchanges between the Chinese Embassy and some Philippine officials and institutions started when Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela “kept attacking and smearing China.”

“It was always them who attacked China first,” Ji said, reiterating that China did not start the word war.