MANILA — Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said he is open to initiating a dialogue between the Philippine Senate and the Chinese Embassy following Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan’s willingness to ease tensions over recent remarks involving Philippine officials.

Lacson described the ambassador’s statement as a “pleasant surprise” and said he will propose to Senate President Vicente Sotto III that the Senate invite Chinese diplomats for a meeting.

“I will suggest that the dialogue include at least members of the Senate majority. The minority can send their representatives to take part,” Lacson said in an interview on DWIZ radio.

The Senate official added that key lawmakers such as Sen. Francis Pangilinan, who authored a resolution condemning the Chinese embassy’s remarks, and Sen. Risa Hontiveros should participate. He also mentioned Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Erwin Tulfo as a potential participant.

“It would be better to meet face to face, because it would be more cordial and professional — instead of debating the issue in the Senate session hall,” Lacson said.

Ambassador Jing previously emphasized that the Chinese side “always advocates dialogue,” urging both countries to “sit down, talk, and find ways to manage differences.”

The remarks followed the Senate’s adoption of a resolution condemning the Chinese Embassy’s criticism of Philippine officials who asserted maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea.

“We may have our disagreements regarding territory, but we can at least agree on how to handle the situation through discourse,” Lacson said.