MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) affirmed its support for publicly elected officials and government institutions performing their lawful duties in defense of Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction, following recent remarks by a spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

In a statement, the DFA said differences between states are best addressed through established diplomatic channels rather than public exchanges.

The DFA added that it will continue to articulate the Philippines’ positions on the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, which it said are grounded in international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.

Separately, the Liberal Party, Akbayan Party, and Mamamayang Liberal denounced what they described as a threat by the Chinese government warning that Philippine officials must “stop or pay the price,” calling it a reckless escalation that directly threatens the Filipino people.

The groups said no state has the authority to threaten officials of another sovereign country for speaking publicly about verified developments within their own maritime domain, adding that statements by Philippine personnel on incidents in the West Philippine Sea are grounded in documented events, made in the exercise of official duty, and consistent with international law, including the binding 2016 Arbitral Award.

They also criticized China for labeling transparency as “provocation,” saying truth-telling does not escalate tensions, while China’s illegal incursions, aggressive maneuvers, and open threats do.

The groups called on the DFA to take the necessary diplomatic steps, saying the issue involves threats by a foreign embassy against specific government officials. They said the DFA must lead in defending Filipino citizens and officials who assert their rights and perform their duties openly and responsibly.

They further said the use of coercive language against a smaller state erodes norms that underpin regional stability and affects not only the Philippines but all states with an interest in a rules-based international order.

The groups expressed support for Philippine civilian and uniformed personnel carrying out their responsibilities with restraint, professionalism, and fidelity to facts, and reiterated that the peaceful resolution of disputes requires respect for international law and proper diplomatic channels.