Teodoro: DFA sole body to talk about Chinese Embassy 'wiretapping'

PAG-ASA ISLAND, PALAWAN —The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) should be the principal agency to face the proposed Senate investigation into the alleged wiretapping of the conversation with a Philippine military official on the supposed "new model" agreement by the Chinese Embassy in Manila.

This was the position of Defense Secretary Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro Jr., as he explained that the DFA is the "sole body that has a right to give an opinion or talk about" the matter.

"Hindi kami pwedeng mag-comment sa Senate processes, 'no. 'Di namin pwedeng pangunahan kasi ang amin sa Executive Department, nasabi na namin, the lead agency conducting the investigation as to whether or not something is true, whether or not there was an improper contact, is the DFA," Teodoro told reporters in an ambush interview here.

"The DFA is the principal agency involved because allegedly this is a Chinese Embassy effort. So we have to consult the DFA and wait for the DFA to come out with its findings," he added.

Asked if he is inclined to attend the proposed Senate probe, Teodoro said, "I cannot speculate. The DFA is the lead agency and we'll take their lead."

Meanwhile, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said senators will discuss first in an executive session the proposed investigation into the matter, explaining that there are sensitive issues that might be discussed during the hearings and that national security should always come first. 

On Wednesday, Senator Francis Tolentino, who filed a resolution seeking an investigation into the said "wiretapping" by the Chinese Embassy, said he suggested to the Senate defense committee to invite the Department of National Defense, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, the DFA, and the Chinese Embassy "if they will attend voluntarily."

Tolentino clarified that the probe that he is seeking does not intend to prove whether the supposed agreement on the "new model" was existent or not.

"Kung ano man yung kalalabasan nitong imbestigasyon, the content would be extraneous to the investigation. Ang gusto lamang patunayan dito ay kung nagkaroon ba talaga ng wire tapping," he said.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila allegedly leaked a transcript of a supposed phone call between a Filipino military official and one of its diplomats regarding a “new model” agreement on the Ayungin Shoal.

Quoting a source in the Chinese Embassy, two major Manila newspapers previously reported about a phone recording in January 2024 between the Chinese side and a Philippine military official, said to be the chief of the AFP Wescom.

A transcript of the conversation was reportedly also provided.

Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos was chief of the AFP WESCOM at that time. Carlos has taken a leave of absence due to personal reasons, AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla earlier said.

National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año previously said that China’s claim was “absolutely absurd, ludicrous, and preposterous.”

The DFA has also said it will investigate the involvement of foreign diplomats in illegal activities and vowed to take the "necessary action."

Teodoro earlier said that those responsible for recording the alleged conversation should be expelled from the Philippines.

Año expressed support for Teodoro's call, saying that those behind the recording committed serious breaches of diplomatic protocols and conventions, and violated the Anti-Wiretapping Act.

Beijing has strongly criticized the two Philippine officials for their statements, warning that "any hasty action" could "potentially harm" ties with Manila.

China has also said their diplomats should be allowed to freely do their jobs in the country.—LDF, GMA Integrated News