Recto defends Locsin’s profanity-laced tweet vs China

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto on Tuesday defended Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.’s recent profanity-laced tweet against China, saying he conveyed the Philippines’ dismay in a language China could understand.

In a statement, Recto lauded Locsin’s “brave and brilliant” approach in diplomacy as this will “allow the country to punch above its weight.”

“While we may not have missiles to launch, we possess something more potent – Locsin missives, against which no shield has been proven effective,” Recto said.

“He can make the enemy lose face before the entire world without us losing a single man.”

The senator said those who have said that the statements should have couched in diplomatese are missing the point as Locsin was a knight of the King’s English.

“But such a tactful way has not worked with a nation who has brazenly violated our sovereignty. So it is time to convey our dismay in a language they can understand. And we have that message delivered by our best weapon in a shouting war,” he said.

On Monday, Locsin told China to "get the f— out" of Philippine waters after months of swarming the area despite repeated demands from Manila to pull out.

On Tuesday, Malacañang said Locsin apologized to the Chinese government for the tweeted profanity. — DVM, GMA News