DFA to probe illegal activities of diplomats amid alleged China-PH 'new model' deal recording

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday said it will investigate the involvement of foreign diplomats in illegal activities and vowed to take the "necessary action." 

This was after the Chinese Embassy in Manila leaked a transcript of an alleged phone call between a Filipino military official and one of its diplomats regarding a so-called new model to handle the South China Sea disputes.

Without mentioning China, the DFA said "unlawful activities by diplomatic officials" will be dealt with necessary action "in line with existing laws and regulations."

"Being a strong advocate of rules-based governance, the Philippine Government is firm and united in respecting and upholding the rule of law in both the domestic and international milieus. It is in this context that the Philippines — as a responsible member of the international community of nations — has consistently called for adherence to international law, including the United Nations Charter, the Vienna Conventions governing inter-state relations, and in the maritime domain the 1982 UNCLOS, among others," the DFA said in a statement.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año last week demanded the immediate expulsion of Chinese diplomats allegedly behind a reported leak that was published in two Philippine newspapers.

Año said he supports a call by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro for the DFA to take actions against Chinese diplomats in Manila for apparent violation of Philippine laws and international diplomatic protocols.

Beijing strongly criticized the two Philippine officials for their statements, warning that "any hasty action" could "potentially harm" ties with Manila.

China also said their diplomats should be allowed to freely do their jobs in the country.

“China solemnly demands that the Philippines ensures that Chinese diplomats can perform their duties, stops infringement and provocation and does not deny the facts, act indiscreetly or hurt itself by its own actions," China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said.

The DFA said foreign diplomats accredited to the Philippines "are accorded the necessary liberties to conduct their diplomatic duties, with the expectation that they, in turn, will conduct their diplomatic activities with the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, in pursuit of common interests and mutually beneficial outcomes."

Two Manila-based newspapers, quoting a Chinese Embassy source, reported a supposed recorded call between an unnamed Chinese diplomat and Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, who reportedly agreed to a new arrangement wherein Manila will notify Beijing for resupply missions in Ayungin Shoal, which is also being claimed by China, and promised not to bring construction materials.

The diplomatic row between Manila and Beijing has escalated following several tense confrontations between Chinese and Philippine Coast Guard ships since last year at Ayungin, also known by its international name Second Thomas Shoal, and in Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal. Both South China Sea features are within Manila's exclusive economic zone.

China’s increasingly aggressive actions, such as harassment of Filipino coast guard vessels and fishermen, in Philippine territories have angered Manila. China has repeatedly assaulted the Philippine Coast Guard and supply boats with water cannons, military grade lasers and dangerous blockings in high seas, causing damage and injuries.

A vital trading and shipping lane, the South China Sea, dotted with rocks, shoals and reefs where rich oil and mineral deposits were found, are claimed in part or in whole by the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. Parts of the waters within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone have been renamed West Philippine Sea.

The Philippines in 2016 largely won a landmark case against China’s massive claim in the South China Sea before an arbitration tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands, but Beijing does not recognize the ruling. —KBK, GMA Integrated News