SENIOR Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. defended President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. from China’s criticism over the Philippine leader’s congratulatory message to newly-elected Taiwan President Lai Ching-te.

According to Gonzales, Marcos has all the right to congratulate President Lai Ching-te and other newly-elected officials of other country.

He said President Marcos’s recent gesture of goodwill towards the Taiwan leader “aligns with our country’s diplomatic principles and commitment to fostering positive international relations.”

“President Marcos, as the elected leader of our sovereign nation, holds the prerogative to extend congratulations and foster amicable relations with global leaders,” he said.

He said the President’s congratulatory message to the Taiwan leader should not be misconstrued as a deviation from the Philippines’ established foreign policies.

Addressing the concerns raised by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Gonzales added: “The Philippines values its diplomatic relationship with China and remains committed to mutual respect and understanding. However, it’s imperative to clarify that fostering friendly ties with neighboring countries and acknowledging their leadership does not equate to ‘playing with fire’, as the foreign ministry put it.”

He further highlighted the profound people-to-people relations between the Philippines and Taiwan, underscored by the significant number of Filipino citizens contributing to Taiwan’s society and economy.

“Our connections go beyond diplomatic formalities. They are rooted in the shared aspirations and hard work of our people,” he said.

ARROGANT

Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers can no longer hide his anger to China whose officials continue to show arrogance to the Filipinos.

In a statement, Barbers slammed Chinese officials who are condemning President Ferdiannd Marcos Jr.’s congratulatory remarks to the newly-elected President of Taiwan.

“We are not your subjects and our country is not a vassal state that owes allegiance to China. Do not treat us like one, not even in your wildest dreams and imagination,” Barbers said.

“Hindi pa man eh umaarte na kayo na may-ari ng Pilipinas pati mga bibig namin gusto nyo na din i-water cannon. Ni katiting na soberenya wala kayo dito tapos pati karapatan namin maghayag ng saloobin pipigilan ninyo?” the fuming lawmaker added.

According to Barbers, Filipinos will not tolerate such arrogance and will insist its sovereignty.

“Did we empower you in any way to draft an IRR on our Constitution that gives you the right to amend our Bill of Rights?” Barbers said.

“Make no mistake about it, we will fight to keep our freedom, independence and our rights as a sovereign nation. Whoever threatens our free existence, we shall fight against and resist to the last man,” Barbers stressed.