MANILA - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will look into any reports of illegal and unlawful activities by diplomatic officials, and will undertake necessary action in line with existing laws and regulations.
In a statement released on Monday, the DFA reiterated its call 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.
This is following reports of an unnamed Chinese Embassy official engaged in a conversation with the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Command (AFP-WESCOM) regarding a “new model” arrangement in the management of Ayungin Shoal.
Reports also reveal that such conversations were recorded and later released with transcripts of the audio recording by the Chinese Embassy, with the purpose to “antagonize and disrupt various government agencies and confuse the public,” the DFA stated.
According to the DFA, 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.
The DFA added that the foreign diplomats accredited to the Philippines are accorded the necessary liberties to conduct their diplomatic duties, with the expectation they 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.
The Department of Foreign Affairs continues to focus its efforts on advancing cooperation with all countries, the statement read.
Courtesy of Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
