Chinese Embassy Spokesman Sought to Be Declared Persona Non Grata by Senate

The Philippine Senate on Tuesday discussed the possibility of declaring Guo Wei, deputy spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Manila, persona non grata following remarks perceived as attacks against Philippine government officials.

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III raised the proposal during plenary deliberations on Senate Resolution No. 256, which condemns the Chinese Embassy’s statements criticizing certain Filipino officials amid heightened tensions between the Philippines and China.

Senator JV Ejercito also called for the replacement of China’s newly appointed ambassador to the Philippines, saying the official’s statements were counterproductive to improving diplomatic relations between the two countries.

“An ambassador should work through diplomacy to maintain good relations between the Philippines and China. But if this is the behavior and character being shown, it will not help ease tensions between our two nations,” Ejercito said.

During the interpellation of Senator Risa Hontiveros, she pointed out that while senators were debating the resolution, the Chinese Embassy posted on Facebook regarding the issue. Hontiveros said the move reflected China’s attempt to assert influence not only in Philippine waters but also in social media and even within the Senate.

She was referring to a post made by Guo Wei, which read:
“Echoes do not make a claim true. What matters is whether the argument stands up to scrutiny—not how many voices repeat it.”

Following this, Sotto reiterated his call to declare the Chinese Embassy official persona non grata.

However, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson cautioned that such authority may not lie with the Senate. Citing his consultation with ChatGPT, Lacson said only the head of state or the President has the power to declare a diplomat persona non grata under international protocol.