Senators on Friday, July 17 condemned the racist depiction of Filipinos by a China-based media outlet, stressing that free expression carries no license for racism or dehumanization.

“Freedom of expression, even in political disputes, is not a license to dehumanize people. Racism has no space in any society that values truth and civility,” Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said, referring to the July 10 AI-generated video depicting Filipinos as monkeys in connection with the 2016 Arbitral Award.

Gatchalian called for a return to intelligent, respectful dialogue between all parties, and asked all media and institutions to exercise greater circumspection and refrain from producing or circulating such materials in the future.

The Senate chief also reminded that mass media and communications platforms carry a social responsibility to uphold truth and civility in public discourse in a free society.

“Disagreements between nations should sharpen our reasoning, not our prejudices. We call on all sides to be more circumspect, and to choose dialogue over derision,” Gatchalian said.

“We condemn the abuse and mockery of the dignity of Filipinos. The media bears a great responsibility in shaping how nations view one another, and it should not be misused,” he added,”

Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan also condemned the AI-generated video by China Daily saying it is “blatantly racist, derogatory, and utterly unacceptable.”

“Such conduct is unbecoming of any media organization that claims to serve the truth, let alone a state-run outlet representing a nation,” Pangilinan said.

He said it is all the more disheartening that such depiction of Filipinos originated from China—an emerging global economic and technological power—"given that its own citizens have also faced discrimination and racism in various parts of the world.”

“Instead of fostering understanding and respect, this type of propaganda not only insults Filipinos but also undermines China’s aspiration to be recognized as a responsible and respected leader in the international community,” he pointed out.

“We call upon the government of the People's Republic of China to immediately order ‘China Daily’ to remove the video in question, issue a clear and public apology, and hold accountable those responsible for its creation and release,” the senator said.

Pangilinan said true global leadership is grounded in dignity, mutual respect, and accountability—not in the dissemination of racist stereotypes masquerading as “information” or “commentary.”

“If China wishes to be taken seriously as a responsible and credible global power, it must begin by ensuring that its own state media acts with respect and accountability, rather than the opposite,” he said.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri also condemned China Daily’s racist video and glorifying violence against the Filipinos, saying China “has crossed the line.”

“But we will take the high road and refuse to answer such provocation with the same contempt,” Zubiri said.

“We can disagree on the West Philippine Sea, but no self-respecting nation should allow that dispute to descend into racism and dehumanization. Disputes are settled by law, evidence and diplomacy, not by intimidation, threats and crude propaganda,” he said.

“The Philippines will continue to uphold the rights affirmed under the 2016 Arbitral Award and defend our position through law, facts and diplomacy,” the senator stated.