Manila, Philippines – Amid the continuing word war and heated public exchanges between the Chinese embassy in Manila with lawmakers, and government officials, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) remains in support with the government agencies that uphold the interest of Manila.
This is the statement made by DFA spokesperson for maritime affairs Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva Jr. at Friday’s briefing (February 13, 2026).
The official said, they will continue to protest the statements made by China countering the claims of Beijing that it doesn’t reflect on the international rules-based order and its illegal intrusion on the territorial waters of the Philippines.
As part of President Ferdinand Marcos’s directives to uphold diplomacy, in all disputes.
As Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) the DFA noted that they are still lobbying within the members of the bloc for the finalization of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
A ruling that would lessen the illegal activities of China in the West Philippine Sea.
Several senators have expressed their call to replace the Chinese Ambassador in Manila, after the senate has passed the resolution seeking to condemn the embassy’s statement against lawmakers, and government officials.
The DFA has refrained from commenting on this, as based on the legislative power of the upper chamber.
The Malacañang Palace earlier confirmed that the Chief executive has rejected the call to replace a Chinese diplomat.
The DFA stands that they are willing to initiate the dialogue with the officials from Beijing and the Philippine to resolve the difference.—Alvin Pelobello, Eurotv News