China’s accusations that the Philippines instigated a recent maritime confrontation near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) are “blatant lies,” according to top Philippine officials.

During a press briefing in Beijing on August 11, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lian Jian blamed the Philippines for a recent maritime “incident,” which he claimed was provoked by Filipino forces.

“The Philippines’ moves seriously infringed upon China’s sovereignty and rights and interests, and seriously harmed peace and stability at sea. These moves are of a malign nature,” Lian Jian said.

In a recent ambush interview in Pasay City, Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro was quick to dismiss China’s statement.

"They will always say that," Lazaro told reporters.

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. was even more direct in his response.

“They can say what they want. But I mean, who's more credible at the end of the day?,” he said.

Teodoro added, “I'm already tired of contradicting, you know, and I don't want to answer a blatant lie and, you know, glorify it. And everybody knows the truth, really. Why will we pick a fight? That's what the President said yesterday. Who in his or her right mind will initiate a conflict when you are a smaller country? Common sense, unless they don't have any.”

When asked about China’s reported displeasure over recent remarks by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his visit to India, Teodoro stood firm, saying China’s sensitivity only exposes the nature of their governance.

“Well, if they cannot handle those statements, that goes to show you what kind of people you're dealing with. You know. I mean, if the truth hurts, then it's your problem, not our problem. Secondly, it's not only us who they have problems with,” he said.

“Even in Europe, they have problems. And they label everybody who stands up to them as a provocateur. I mean, it's like the old Veto (deodorant) commercial if you were born... If it's you they're talking about, then Secretary Lazaro’s holding her laughter back, you know… If it's you they're talking about, then you should place deodorant,” he added.

Teodoro emphasized that the Philippines is not alone in its concerns about China’s behavior in the region.

He said the Philippines shares the same challenges as Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and even France, calling out what he described as China's “summa cum laude” status in international law revisionism and misconduct in the region.

"Well, when we band together against some country. Let's, for example, China. We share the same challenges with Japan. And there's no denying that. And it’s useless to deny it because it's the truth. We share the same challenges, not only does Japan, but also Australia and New Zealand, far as it is. And Canada, too. And France, too. Because they stand out a summa cum laudes of revisionism in international law and bad behavior,” Teodoro lamented.

On Monday, a Chinese People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) warship collided with a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel approximately 10.5 nautical miles east of Panatag Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc), while harassing the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel.

The CCG 3104, while aggressively chasing the PCG’s BRP Suluan at high speed, executed a dangerous maneuver from the starboard quarter of the PCG vessel, resulting in a collision with a PLA-Navy warship.

The impact caused significant damage to the forecastle of the CCG vessel, rendering it unseaworthy.

Pressed about rumors of casualties on the Chinese side during the incident, Teodoro said he had received no such report.

“Wala pa kong reports regarding that. Kung meron mang tinamaan, eh kasalalan na nila yun (I don’t have reports regarding that. If someone did get hit, then that’s their fault),” he said, reiterating the Philippines had no interest in escalating tensions.

Teodoro also said there has been no communication from his Chinese counterpart, and that any statements from Beijing typically come through “press releases” heavily censored by the Chinese government.

When asked if he would soften his tone following the maritime incident that reportedly damaged a Chinese vessel, Teodoro stood his ground.

“Why would I change my tone? I mean, that's my right as a Filipino and my obligation as a Secretary of Defense.”

He then doubled down on his stance, turning the criticism back on China.

“Sila ang magpalit ng tono. Ba’t ako magpapalit ng tono? Hindi naman ako sintunado. Sila nga sintunado eh (They should be the ones to change their tone. Why should I change mine? I’m not out of tune — they’re the ones who are off-key),” he said.