Philippines Senate Moves to Declare Chinese Ambassador Persona Non Grata Over Threatening Remarks

Senator Erwin Tulfo filed Senate Resolution No. 739 on Monday, expressing serious concern over remarks by Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan that China could easily defeat the Philippines if it used force. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs has already admonished the envoy and summoned him to explain the statement. The resolution urges the Department to recommend declaring Ambassador Jing persona non grata, citing the impact on Philippine sovereignty, national dignity, and bilateral relations. Senator JV Ejercito had earlier hinted at a similar move after the Chinese Embassy in Manila threatened Filipino officials. Beijing’s claim over almost all of the South China Sea, which ignores the 2016 arbitral award, remains a core issue. The Senate will debate and vote on the resolution on November 9; if approved, it will be adopted by the upper chamber.