TEN members of the House of Representatives have filed a resolution urging President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to declare Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan persona non grata over remarks he made that appeared to threaten the Philippines.
Filed by Akbayan Rep. Percival “Perci” Cendaña and nine other lawmakers, House Resolution No. 1562 also asks the President to facilitate the envoy’s recall to China if the diplomatic designation is not immediately pursued. In sharing the document, Cendaña wrote: “Ambassador of bullies, not welcome here,” reflecting the sentiment behind the measure.
The resolution was triggered by Jing’s recent public statement that China could “easily win” if it resorted to the use of force against the Philippines — remarks widely condemned as a thinly veiled threat. The Department of Foreign Affairs has already called on the ambassador to exercise greater restraint, while President Marcos confirmed he intends to summon Jing to clarify the remark. Lawmakers backing the resolution argue that such language from a diplomatic representative undermines bilateral relations and violates the norms of international diplomacy.
Senators have also weighed in, with Sen. Risa Hontiveros calling for a formal apology and warning that the ambassador should be expelled if none is forthcoming. The Palace has stated it prefers to engage Jing diplomatically and does not wish to damage ties, but has also emphasized that the country’s territorial interests in the West Philippine Sea remain fully protected. The House measure is expected to be referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs for deliberation.
metrosundaily
