Imee urges 'restraint, sobriety' amid diplomatic row with China

Senator Imee Marcos has filed a resolution calling on all government officials and employees to exercise restraint, sobriety, and professionalism in public communications relating to foreign affairs, amid heated exchanges between Philippine and Chinese officials.

Under Senate Resolution No. 267, Marcos, who chairs the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, said there is a need to deescalate the worsening row between Philippine and Chinese officials “in order to preserve diplomatic space and ensure the coherent and effective conduct of Philippine foreign relations.”

“Coherence, discipline, and institutional coordination in the conduct of foreign relations are essential to preserving diplomatic space, managing international disputes, and advancing the national interest,” the resolution read.

“Whereas, there is a compelling need for all government officials to exercise restraint, sobriety, and professionalism in public communications relating to foreign affairs, in order to avoid unnecessary escalation of diplomatic tensions,” it added. 

Marcos, however, clarified that with filing the resolution, she does not seek to silence debate, suppress patriotism, or diminish the right of officials to defend Philippine sovereignty. 

“But reckless statements and intemperate rhetoric can have real consequences on bilateral relations and our ability to protect national interests, particularly in sensitive areas such as the maritime domain,” she said. 

The senator thus urged all government agencies and officials to respect the institutional role of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), as the lead agency in the conduct of foreign relations, by letting it address international issues through appropriate diplomatic channels.

The Philippines, through the DFA, earlier protested China's attacks against Filipino government officials, who have criticized Beijing's aggressive actions in the disputed South China Sea.

Fifteen senators have also signed a proposed resolution denouncing the recent statements of the Chinese Embassy. Marcos was among those who did not sign the draft resolution. 

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday then manifested to conduct a committee hearing on the matter first, before the Senate proceeds with the plenary consideration of a proposed resolution. —RF, GMA Integrated News