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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Di katanggap-tanggap': Padilla backs DFA, condemns China Daily over 'racist' AI content

'Di katanggap-tanggap': Padilla backs DFA, condemns China Daily over 'racist' AI content

Published Jul 17, 2026 11:35 am

At A Glance

  • Sen. Robin Padilla backed the Department of Foreign Affairs' condemnation of China Daily over AI-generated videos and editorial materials depicting Filipinos as monkeys, calling the content racist, dehumanizing, and unacceptable.
  • Padilla said freedom of expression should never justify racism or attacks on the dignity of any people, stressing that disputes between countries should be resolved through diplomacy, international law, and respectful dialogue—not propaganda.
  • The senator reaffirmed support for defending the Philippines' rights in the West Philippine Sea while pursuing peaceful engagement with China, and joined the DFA in calling for the immediate removal of the offensive materials
Senator Robinhood "Robin" Padilla on Friday expressed full support for the Department of Foreign Affairs' (DFA) condemnation of China Daily over its publication of AI-generated videos and editorial materials depicting Filipinos as monkeys in relation to the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.
Senator Robinhood Padilla (From Facebook page)
Senator Robinhood Padilla (From Facebook page)
In a statement, Padilla said freedom of expression and political discourse should never be used as an excuse for racism, dehumanization, or attacks on the dignity of any people.
"Depicting Filipinos in such an offensive manner is unacceptable and deserves unequivocal condemnation," the senator said.
Padilla reiterated his long-standing position that while the Philippines should continue to pursue peaceful dialogue, mutual respect, and constructive engagement with all nations—including China—the country's sovereignty, national dignity, and the honor of the Filipino people must never be compromised.
He also stressed that disputes between states should be resolved through diplomacy, international law, and respectful dialogue rather than through propaganda that insults an entire nation and undermines efforts to foster trust and understanding.
The senator likewise affirmed the importance of protecting the Philippines' lawful rights and interests in the West Philippine Sea while continuing to promote peace and stability in the region.
"Patriotism and diplomacy are not mutually exclusive; a nation can stand firm on its principles while extending respect to others," Padilla said.
Padilla's office also joined the DFA in calling for the immediate removal of the offensive AI-generated materials and urged all parties to uphold truth, civility, and mutual respect in international discourse.
The DFA earlier strongly condemned China Daily over its publication of AI-generated videos and editorial cartoons portraying Filipinos as monkeys in connection with the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, describing the materials as racist, dehumanizing, and unacceptable. The department urged the Chinese state-run publication to remove the content, saying it undermines respectful dialogue between nations.

Related Tags

Robin Padilla China Daily Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) West Philipine Sea
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