China threatened on May 7 to release the transcript and audio recording of an alleged phone conversation that occurred last January 3 between Chinese officials and Vice-admiral Alberto Carlos, chief of the AFP- WESMINCOM agreeing to a “new model” in handling resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre.
The recording allegedly revealed the “new model” of conduct in the West Philippine Sea by top Department of National Defense and Armed Forces of the Philippines officers, Teodoro. Ano and AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner.
On the same day, the Department of Foreign Affairs issued a statement emphasizing that only the President can approve or authorize agreements entered into by the Philippine government on matters pertaining to WPS and South China Sea.
Sen. Francis Tolentino on May 15 called on the Senate National Defense committee to investigate the alleged wiretapping of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command by the Chinese Embassy in Manila.
In filing Senate Resolution number 1023, Tolentino noted that if the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines is proven to have committed the act of wiretapping, this should amount to his expulsion from the Philippines and his declaration as “persona non grata.”
Also, Tolentino said China should formally apologize to the Philippines for the illegal acts of its officials, waive diplomatic immunity and let them face the consequences.
“This is in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic and Consular Relations,” said the chairperson of the Senate chairperson of the Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones.
Another alternative, he said, is that the Philippines should likewise consider recalling its ambassador to China.
Earlier, National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano stressed that those linked to the wiretapping must be immediately removed from the country.
Since this matter is very important and sensitive, Tolentino said, Philippine authorities should take appropriate actions to determine the extent of China’s interference in the country’s national security and provide measures against its recurrence.
The Senator emphasized that the international community should also call out China diplomatic official’s brazen act of defying the laws of the Philippines, as well as international laws.
“This desperate tactic employed should be stopped as they proliferate false information against our officials, thereby affecting our national security.”
