MANILA – Senator Imee Marcos urged public officials to exercise restraint in discussing foreign affairs, warning that reckless rhetoric could jeopardize diplomatic efforts and the country’s international standing.

Marcos, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, filed Senate Resolution No. 267 calling for sobriety, professionalism, and discipline in public communications amid escalating exchanges between Philippine and Chinese officials.

“I do not seek to silence debate, suppress patriotism, or diminish the right of officials to defend Philippine sovereignty,” Marcos said. “But reckless statements and intemperate rhetoric can have real consequences on bilateral relations and our ability to protect national interests, particularly in sensitive areas such as the maritime domain.”

The senator cited repeated advisories from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), which cautioned against public exchanges that could escalate tensions. She stressed that differences between states are best addressed through established diplomatic channels rather than public confrontation.

“We have to trust and respect the mandate of the Department of Foreign Affairs,” Marcos said. “Under the law, the DFA is the lead agency in the conduct of our foreign relations, and it must be given the necessary latitude to manage tensions, preserve diplomatic space, and advance our national interest.”