The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippines has issued a formal appeal to China, urging it to sustain constructive engagement and foster people-to-people exchanges. This call follows China's decision to prohibit 16 local officials from Kalayaan, Palawan from entering its territory, including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau.
Reciprocal Measures and Diplomatic Tensions
The travel ban was implemented as a reciprocal response after the Kalayaan municipal government declared Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan as persona non grata within its jurisdiction. The local authorities cited alleged violations of diplomatic protocol and interference in Philippine internal affairs as the basis for their action.
In a statement released on Wednesday, DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona acknowledged China's sovereign right to control entry into its territory. However, she emphasized that such measures are counterproductive to building robust bilateral relations.
List of Affected Officials
The Chinese Embassy in Manila, through spokesperson Ji Lingpeng, publicly identified the 16 Kalayaan officials affected by the ban. The named individuals include 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.
Call for Professional Diplomacy
DFA Spokesperson on Maritime Affairs Rogelio Villanueva Jr. highlighted the department's commitment to candid and vigorous dialogue with foreign counterparts, aligning with the Philippines' democratic principles. While recognizing the embassy's duty to respond, Villanueva stressed the importance of maintaining calm and professionalism in all diplomatic interactions.
He urged the Chinese embassy to adopt a constructive approach in its statements, aiming to facilitate healthy dialogue despite significant differences. The goal, he noted, is to advance the overall bilateral relationship between the two nations through mutual respect and diplomatic decorum.
