Palace backs PH officials facing China’s attacks over WPS

Malacañang on Monday said it stands by Filipino government officials who have been targeted by China for pushing back against its false assertions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

At a Palace briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro stressed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. supports the officials amid China’s actions in the disputed territory.

“If government agencies and their heads are acting correctly and in accordance with the law, and are defending the country’s rights and interests, the President supports them,” Castro said.

When asked if the Palace stands by the officials in this specific case, she replied, “Yes.”

The Chinese Foreign Ministry previously issued a strong warning against certain Philippine officials, accusing them of spreading disinformation against China and saying they would “pay the price.”

China also summoned Philippine Ambassador to Beijing Jaime Florcruz amid accusations that Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) West Philippine Sea spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela was conducting a “smear campaign” against Beijing.

The Department of National Defense condemned China’s warning, while the Department of Foreign Affairs lodged a diplomatic protest against China’s attacks on Filipino officials who have criticized Beijing’s actions in the disputed South China Sea.

Tensions have persisted as Beijing claims nearly the entire South China Sea—a vital shipping route that handles more than $3 trillion in annual trade—despite competing claims from the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

The Philippine government has renamed portions of the sea within its territory as the West Philippine Sea to reinforce its claims.—MCG, GMA Integrated News