The Department of Foreign Affairs is urging restraint over calls to declare Chinese embassy officials persona non grata, warning that the move should be treated strictly as a last resort due to its serious diplomatic consequences.
The position was relayed by Malacañang through Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro, who read the DFA’s guidance during a press briefing on Thursday, Jan. 29. Castro said the DFA’s stance comes amid proposals in Congress and actions by some local governments seeking to declare Chinese diplomatic personnel persona non grata following an intensified exchange of statements between Philippine and Chinese officials over the West Philippine Sea.
According to the DFA, declaring a foreign diplomat persona non grata is “one of the most severe forms of diplomatic action,” second only to the downgrading of diplomatic relations. The department stressed that such a step should only be considered when diplomatic relations have seriously fractured and no other remedies are available to stabilize engagement.
The DFA cautioned that the declaration carries “tremendous implications,” including the risk of reciprocal measures that could affect broader Philippine strategic and foreign policy interests. It emphasized that decisions of this nature should not be made lightly and must involve clear preparation for their long-term impact on bilateral relations.
Castro said the Palace aligns itself with this assessment and supports giving the Department of Foreign Affairs sufficient space to manage sensitive diplomatic issues through established channels. She added that Malacañang is closely monitoring developments and remains coordinated with Tess Lazaro on the matter.
She also noted that Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is aware of the growing public exchanges between Philippine and Chinese officials and that his position is consistent with the DFA’s policy guidance.
When asked whether the administration is leaning toward de-escalation or firmer action amid what some lawmakers have described as a “word war,” Castro said the two approaches are not mutually exclusive, adding that firm action can be pursued alongside diplomacy.
The DFA has previously reiterated that it prefers advancing national interests through dialogue and consultation rather than public exchanges, while also backing Filipino officials who speak out on issues involving the West Philippine Sea.
