Malacanang says 'Iisang Dagat' video covered by free speech

Malacanang on Sunday defended the release of "Iisang Dagat" video which screened the supposed assistance of China to the Philippines against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Jr., the video — which drew flak online — was covered by freedom of speech.

"Sa ating Saligang Batas naman, lahat tayo mayroong karapatan ng malayang pananalita. Ang isang video na kasama 'yung mga awitin, kabahagi 'yan ng karapatan ng malayang pananalita," he said in an interview on GMA Super Radyo dzBB.

"Ang sabi ng ating Korte Suprema, lahat ng karapatan sa ating bill of rights ay binibigay din natin sa mga dayuhan na naninirahan sa ating bayan," he elaborated.

The video featured a song written by Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian, which was performed by Chinese diplomat Xia Wenxin, Camarines Sur Vice Governor Imelda Papin, Filipino-Chinese singer Jhonvid Bangayan and Chinese actor Yubin.

Uploaded on the Chinatown TV Youtube page, the video had 116,000 dislikes as of 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, 2020, while having only 1,400 likes. It also had 355,155 views.

To recall, the Philippines in 2016 scored a victory against China in a ruling by an international tribunal, invalidating Beijing's claims on the South China Sea.

Just last week, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodor "Teddy Boy" Locsin Jr. said the Philippines filed two diplomatic protests against China over violations of international law and Philippine sovereignty.

The protests called out China for pointing a radar gun at a Philippine Navy ship and declaring parts of Philippine territory as part of Hainan province. — LA, GMA News