MANILA PHILIPPINES – There is a possibility to expel the Ambassador of the Chinese Embassy in Manila once proven that they are involved in wiretapping or illegal recording of information through private wired or cable communication.
This is related to the allegation of the Chinese Embassy that an official of the Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFPWESCOM) has reached an agreement with a Chinese official regarding the alleged ‘new model’ of managing the Ayungin Shoal.
Under Republic Act. 4200 or the Anti-Wire Tapping Act, it is considered a crime to record or obtain information nor statements through wired or cable communication without consent.
According to Defense Sec. Gilbert Teodoro Jr., China clearly violated not only Philippine law but also international relations.
Despite this, the DND maintained that they will further strengthen security measures in government branches to protect the national security of the Philippines.
“Walang binigay na pahintulot ang Presidente o sinumang opisyal ng gabinete hinggil dito, kaya mali ang pagtatahol ng mga opisyal diumano ng Chinese Embassy dito. Sana maliwanagan ang ating mga tao,” Teodoro said this on the sideline of 2024 Maritime Security Symposium.
Teodoro reiterated that only President Bongbong Marcos can agreed with China regarding the government’s plan pertaining to the West Philippine Sea.
It is said that only the president has the right to appoint his cabinet regarding any activity in the sovereignty of the Philippines.
“Tanging Presidente lamang ang pumasok sa anumang kasunduan hinggil sa West Philippine Sea… o anumang internasyonal na bagay through the Department of Foreign Affairs,” Teodoro said.
The Chinese Embassy also committed mistakes in disclosing information based only on unauthorized government officials, he adds.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has yet to make a statement over this, but it has already said that none of the cabinet members of the Marcos administration were involved in negotiating with China regarding the ‘new model’ in Ayungin Shoal.
The Chinese embassy has not yet made a statement.