MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) called on China to uphold constructive engagement and people-to-people exchanges after 16 officials from Kalayaan, Palawan were barred from entering China, including Hong Kong and Macau.

The travel ban followed the municipality of Kalayaan declaring Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan persona non grata within its jurisdiction, citing alleged violations of diplomatic protocol and interference in Philippine internal affairs.

“The DFA notes the recent statement of the Chinese Embassy not to welcome Kalayaan Municipality councilors into China, including Hong Kong and Macau, on the basis of reciprocity,” DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona said.

“While preventing the entry of foreign nationals into their territory is a country’s sovereign prerogative, such actions do not contribute to fostering good and vibrant bilateral relations, especially in reinvigorating people-to-people interaction, which both the Philippines and China have committed to,” she added.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila named the 16 Kalayaan officials who are now barred from entry, including Beltzasar Alindogan, Maurice Phillip Alexis Albayda, Nonelon Balbontin, Nonie Gapuz, Roberto Asiado, Hubert Llavan, Francis Polizon, Marilou Vales, Monico Abogado, Eugenio Bito-onon, Hermoso Ornopia, Tracylie Shierjun Malabayabas, Arzel Belidan, Vicencio Milan, Allan Dellosa, and Mary Cristina Lagrosa.

DFA Spokesperson on Maritime Affairs Rogelio Villanueva Jr. emphasized the value of candid and vigorous debate in line with the Philippines’ democratic tradition, while urging responses to be made calmly and professionally.

“As such, we urge the Chinese embassy to be constructive in its statements towards a healthy dialogue despite major differences in the view to advance the overall bilateral relationship,” Villanueva said.