A resolution declaring Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan persona non grata is being considered by the Senate majority bloc following his remarks on China’s military superiority and his subsequent challenge to Filipino lawmakers, Senator Erwin Tulfo said Monday.
Tulfo, chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, said majority senators agreed over the weekend to pursue the measure, with Senator JV Ejercito expected to file the resolution on Monday, Oct. 19, 2026.
“Kami po sa majority nag-uusap po over the weekend, reaction po sa mga sinabi po ng Chinese ambassador (We in the majority discussed over the weekend our reaction to the Chinese ambassador’s statements),” Tulfo said in a chance interview.
“Napagkasunduan po namin na magpa-file nga po (We agreed to file a resolution),” he added.
Tulfo said he would co-author Ejercito’s measure if it was filed that day. If not, his office could file a separate resolution on Tuesday to avoid duplicate measures.
“Dapat nga po, today we will be filing pero may legis said na baka mag-file si Senator JV so baka mag-doble lang (We were supposed to file today, but my legislative staff said Senator JV might file one, so we might end up with duplicate resolutions),” he said.
The proposed measure follows the envoy’s remarks about China’s ability to defeat the Philippines and his subsequent challenge to lawmakers to declare him persona non grata.
Tulfo said the ambassador should have clarified his earlier statements rather than appear to taunt senators with the prospect of being barred from entering China.
“If you’re a diplomat, you should be… you have to tone down,” Tulfo said.
“You represent your country, you represent your people, you represent your leader,” he added, arguing that diplomats should pursue dialogue instead of making provocative statements.
Tulfo said the ambassador could have explained that his earlier remarks were taken out of context and emphasized China’s willingness to engage in discussions. Instead, he said, the envoy’s response appeared to worsen the dispute.
Asked whether the resolution could further strain relations between Manila and Beijing, Tulfo pointed to continuing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, where he said Filipino fishermen and vessels had faced increasing harassment.
“Tayo na po ang binabangga, pinapalayas sa dagat mismo natin (We are now the ones being rammed and driven away from our own waters),” he said.
He maintained that diplomatic engagement should be based on mutual respect.
“Dapat reconciliatory ang mga pananalita (The language should be reconciliatory),” he said.
Tulfo also criticized the Chinese Embassy’s remarks questioning the fairness of Philippine media coverage, calling them insulting, particularly given his background as a journalist.
Responding to embassy social media posts portraying some politicians as anti-China, Tulfo said lawmakers were defending the country’s maritime rights, which he noted were affirmed by the 2016 arbitral ruling.
He rejected the suggestion that senators should remain silent on the dispute, saying their position reflected the concerns of millions of Filipinos.
Asked about the ambassador’s challenge, Tulfo suggested that Jing could leave the country voluntarily instead of waiting for a formal declaration.
“Why wait for persona non grata? Then, just go home,” he said.
Photo courtesy of Inquirer.net
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