MANILA – Senator Risa Hontiveros defended the use of a Senate resolution amid remarks from the Chinese Embassy, saying lawmakers will not be silenced by foreign actors.

“A Senate resolution is a legitimate and appropriate tool for legislators to express concern over actions that affect Philippine laws, sovereignty, and national interests. We will not be silenced or deterred by statements from foreign actors,” Hontiveros said in a statement.

She added that the Senate would continue to use lawful instruments to raise concerns.

“We will continue to use lawful instruments, including resolutions, to put these matters on record, kahit isang milyon pa ang pahayag laban dito. This is our constitutional duty,” she said.

Hontiveros said filing multiple resolutions would not resolve the broader issue in the West Philippine Sea.

“Indeed, we can file 100 resolutions and the situation won’t improve because the real problem facing the Philippines isn’t the Chinese Embassy descending to the level of the common internet troll. The real problem is the PLA Navy, Chinese Coast Guard, and Maritime Militia’s coercive behavior in the West Philippine Sea — water cannoning innocent fisherfolk, hindering freedom of navigation in our own EEZ, and ramming our vessels,” she said.

The senator said the Philippines remains open to peaceful engagement but called on Beijing to show good faith.

“We are always open to cooperation, exchange, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. However, the Chinese government in Beijing must first demonstrate good faith by ceasing its harassment of our vessels in the West Philippine Sea,” she said.

She also warned the public against misinformation.

“Panawagan ko din muli sa mga Pilipino na maging mapagmatyag sa mga peke at mapanlinlang na naratibo. The Chinese government’s propaganda, especially on social media, is as brazen as its harassment in our waters,” Hontiveros said.

“Huwag nating pahintulutan ang mga dayuhang elemento na patuloy na maghasik ng pagkakawatak-watak sa ating bansa,” she added.

Hontiveros likewise urged the immediate passage of the West Philippine Sea Mandatory Education bill that she authored in the 20th Congress.

“Kailangan alam ng bawat Pilipino ang katotohanan at kahalagahan ng ating karapatan sa West Philippine Sea. A public with high maritime domain awareness remains our strongest defense against foreign information manipulation and interference,” she said.

She also greeted those celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year.

“Gong xi fa cai! Kung hei fat choi! And to everyone who will be celebrating, Happy Chinese Lunar New Year. Cheers to prosperity and peace, grounded in mutual respect and adherence to international law.”