Senate eyes resolution on Chinese Embassy's dare on persona non grata call vs ambassador - Ejercito

The Senate is considering to issue a resolution in response to the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines' challenge to declare Ambassador Jing Quan persona non grata, Senator JV Ejercito said Sunday.

Ejercito described Jing Quan’s earlier statement as “very rude, very hostile, and very undeplomatic,” after the latter claimed that China would "easily win" if it resorted to force in the West Philippine Sea.

“Hintayin na lang natin ang plenary... Pinag-uusapan na kung magpapasa kami ng resolusyon ukol sa kanyang pananalita. Pero malamang, magkakaroon ng aksyon at resolusyon ang Senado ukol dito,” Ejercito told Super Radyo dzBB.

(Let us wait for the plenary session. We are already discussing whether to file a resolution regarding his remarks. But most likely, the Senate will take action and issue a resolution on the matter.)

On Saturday, the Chinese Embassy released a statement amid talks of possibly declaring Jung Quan persona non grata after his remarks were perceived by some lawmakers as “threats” against the Philippines.

"Some senators and house representatives are talking about declaring the Chinese ambassador persona non grata. Is this threat or coercion?" the Chinese Embassy said in a social media post.

"But anyway, just do it. Otherwise, STOP BLUFFING," it added.

Ejercito said Jing Quan should be replaced as Chinese ambassador, saying his remarks were already threatening in nature and only adds to the tension and conflict between the two countries.

“Maganda, dapat mapalitan na lang ito. Itong Chinese ambassador belongs to a group na talagang nag-i-instigate. Parang sinasadyang talaga nila 'yan at hindi 'yan nakatutulong sa ating pag-repair o pag-ayos sa relasyon [ng Pilipinas at China],” Ejercito said.

(It would be better if he were replaced. This Chinese ambassador belongs to a group that deliberately instigates tensions. It seems they are doing this on purpose, and it does not help repair or improve relations between the Philippines and China.)

“Dapat palitan 'yan ng Tsina, kung seryoso silang ayusin ang relasyon sa ating bansa,” he added.

(China should replace him if it is serious about improving relations with our country.)

Meanwhile, Senator Jinggoy Estrada urged caution against hastily declaring someone persona non grata.

“While I share the concern and indignation his words have stirred, we must protest strongly and demand respect, without closing the doors of dialogue. Walang magandang idudulot ang padalus-dalos na pagkilos bilang tugon sa mga sinabi ng Chinese envoy (taking hasty action in response to the Chinese envoy’s remarks will do no good)," Estrada said in a statement.

“Madaling sabihin ang pagdedeklara ng persona non grata, pero ang pananagutan sa magiging kahihinatnan nito ay hindi madaling pasanin,” he added.

(Declaring someone persona non grata is easy to say, but the responsibility for its consequences is not easy to bear.)

Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago, including the Luzon Sea and the waters around, within, and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis."