Political parties slam China warning vs Philippine officials

Three political parties on Wednesday denounced the warning issued by the government of China telling Philippine officials to “stop or pay the price,” calling it a reckless escalation that directly threatens the Filipino people.

The groups said no state has the authority to threaten officials of another sovereign country for speaking publicly about verified developments within their own maritime domain.

They said statements made by Philippine personnel regarding incidents in the West Philippine Sea are grounded in documented events, conveyed in the exercise of official duty, and consistent with international law, including the binding 2016 Arbitral Award.

The groups said labeling transparency as “provocation” is a cynical attempt to mislead the international community, stressing that truth-telling does not escalate tensions, while China’s illegal incursions, aggressive maneuvers, and open threats do.

They called on the Department of Foreign Affairs to take the necessary diplomatic steps, noting that the issue involves threats made by a foreign embassy against specific Philippine government officials.

The DFA, they said, must take the lead in defending Filipino citizens and officials who are merely asserting their rights and performing their duties openly and responsibly.

“Our country should be our safe space. We should not be intimidated, threatened, and targeted in our own home by a guest that uses its privileged diplomatic status as its platform to attack us.”

The groups warned that the use of coercive language against a smaller state erodes norms that underpin regional stability and signals a willingness to replace dialogue with pressure and law with leverage.

They added that such developments affect not only the Philippines, but all states with an interest in a rules-based international order.

In a joint statement, the Liberal Party, Akbayan Party, and Mamayang Liberal expressed support for Philippine civilian and uniformed personnel who continue to perform their duties with restraint, professionalism, and fidelity to facts.

They also stressed that the peaceful resolution of disputes requires respect for international law and proper diplomatic channels, not warnings intended to deter lawful speech.

The groups said the Philippines will continue to assert its rights openly and responsibly, noting that the preservation of peace in the region depends on it.