Malacañang on China, Senate clash: Freedom of expression respected

Malacañang said Wednesday that it respects China and the Philippine Senate's freedom of speech, following a recent exchange of tirades between the two parties. 

During a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro was asked for a reaction to a statement made by the Chinese Embassy that condemned Senate Resolution 256, which criticized remarks made by the Chinese Embassy in Manila against Filipino officials who challenged Beijing’s actions in the West Philippine Sea.

According to Castro, President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. respects one's freedom of expression. 

''Ang Pangulo po kasi ay rumirespeto sa kalayaan ng pamamahayag. Kung may kalayaan po ang China sa kanilang pamamahayag, ganon din naman po ang sino man na Pilipino at kung ano man din po ang inihayag ng Senado,'' Castro said.

(The President respects one's freedom of speech. Both China and the Philippine Senate have the freedom to express.) 

''Muli, uulitin po natin ang posisyon ng Pangulo patungkol po sa relasyon sa China: Firm but diplomatic,'' Castro added.

(We reiterate the President's position regarding the Philippines' ties with China: Firm but diplomatic.)

To recall, Chinese Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng said the senators knew “little about how diplomacy works” in criticizing Beijing, adding that some Philippine legislators repeatedly resort to threats and intimidation against Chinese diplomats. 

The Senate resolution condemned statements from the Chinese Embassy that, according to lawmakers, targeted Philippine officials supporting the country’s claims in the West Philippine Sea.

It also urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to take necessary diplomatic measures to uphold the dignity of the Philippines and ensure relations with other states follow international law and established diplomatic principles. —VAL, GMA Integrated News