A HEATED debate erupted in the Senate on Monday between Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano over a caricature of Chinese President Xi Jinping used by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela.
The exchange occurred before the Senate adopted Proposed Senate Resolution No. 256, which condemns recent statements by the Chinese Embassy in Manila against Filipino officials critical of China’s actions in the South China Sea.
Cayetano argued that the resolution should not be passed if it appeared to endorse Tarriela’s actions, stating that Tarriela was wrong to use the caricature. He suggested Tarriela should have simply affirmed his dedication to the Philippines without resorting to insults.
Pangilinan, the resolution’s sponsor, disagreed, asserting that Tarriela was not in the wrong. Cayetano countered that Pangilinan’s stance implied it was acceptable to insult a foreign leader, even if Philippine officials are expected to show decorum.
Pangilinan dismissed Cayetano’s interpretation. He pointed out that the Department of National Defense had already condemned China’s remarks. Cayetano then likened the situation to Pangilinan’s staff circulating a meme mocking him, which Pangilinan rejected as an irrelevant comparison.
After nearly three hours of debate, the Senate amended and adopted the resolution. It urges the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to defend the Philippines’ dignity through diplomatic measures and condemns the Chinese Embassy’s statements as violations of diplomatic norms. Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III approved the motion without objection.
metrosundaily
