MANILA – Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela criticized statements by the Chinese Embassy in Manila, describing them as “brazen and abrasive” attacks on Philippine elected officials.

Tarriela, the PCG’s West Philippine Sea (WPS) spokesperson, said the embassy’s remarks showed “blatant disrespect against Philippine elected officials in our own soil.”

“As Filipinos, we must recognize that this attack on our sitting Senators by foreign diplomats is not merely an assault on the Senate as a democratic institution, but a direct challenge to our sovereignty and to the Filipino people as a whole,” he added.

The statement came in response to social media posts and comments by Chinese Embassy Deputy Spokesperson Guo Wei, targeting Tarriela and several senators, including Risa Hontiveros, Erwin Tulfo, and Kiko Pangilinan.

Guo responded by questioning Tarriela’s representation of the Filipino people and criticized other government officials who spoke in his support. “Can’t win the argument, so you call in helpers? When that fails, you fan the flames? Before posting, get one thing straight: every time you speak up, who’s attacking, and who’s defending? A factual response isn’t ‘disrespect,’ let alone ‘assault.’ If you invoke the freedom to attack, we have the right to defend,” Guo said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued a statement saying it made “firm representations” to the Chinese ambassador, expressing “serious concerns” over the escalation of public exchanges.

“We reiterate our previous statements affirming support for our officials to perform their lawful duties in defense of Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction. Their views, as well as those of disagreeing voices, are an inescapable part of the robust plurality of ideas that animate our democratic society,” the DFA said.

National Security Council spokesperson Assistant Director General Cornelio Valencia Jr. also weighed in, calling the embassy’s statements “undiplomatic and uncalled for.”

“The Philippines is a democracy governed by the rule of law. Public officials, spokespersons, and institutions are mandated to inform the Filipino people of developments affecting national security, including activities in the West Philippine Sea. This responsibility does not require approval from any foreign government,” Valencia said.