Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday warned that the manner in which the Philippines responds to recent statements by the Chinese Embassy in Manila carries consequences for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), future generations, and the economy, even as he backed a firm defense of national sovereignty.

Cayetano made the remarks during his interpellation with Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on February 9, 2026 on Senate Resolution No. 256, which condemns public statements by the Chinese embassy criticizing Philippine officials and institutions defending the country’s sovereignty and maritime rights.

The Minority Leader said there is no disagreement in the Senate on protecting Philippine territory but stressed that the manner of response matters.

“This affects OFWs, this affects our ailing economy, this affects our being a Christian nation, this affects our moral ascendancy,” he said.

Cayetano cautioned against responding to provocation with similar conduct, saying this could weaken the country’s credibility rather than strengthen its position.

He said calling out lies and disinformation should not come at the expense of discipline and decorum.

“May mga anak kayo, may mga apo… Pwede mo bang sabihin sa anak mo na ‘pag mali (ang ibang tao), gumawa rin sila ng mali, na OK lang mang-bully kasi mas bully sila?” he said.

Addressing statements by Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela who even showed a caricature of Chinese President Xi Jinping during a presentation, Cayetano said support for the country does not excuse conduct that crosses professional lines.

He reiterated that the Philippines can assert its sovereignty and maritime rights firmly and constructively without resorting to language or behavior that could undermine the country’s standing at home and abroad. 

“We are for the Coast Guard… But if one of their generals went over the line and did something that is wrong, childish, undiplomatic, reckless, unprofessional, it’s also our duty [to call him out]. Did we file a resolution here to ask someone to correct him? No,” he said.

The resolution was later adopted by the Senate, with Cayetano maintaining his position and not taking part in the vote. ###