‘We’re not your subjects,’ Rep. Barbers tells China after its remarks vs Marcos

MANILA, Philippines — Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers has condemned China for its comments against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with the lawmaker reminding the Asian superpower that Filipinos are not their subjects.

In a statement on Thursday, Barbers said it seemed China was acting like it had sovereignty over the Philippines when it condemned Marcos for congratulating newly-elected Taiwan president Lai Ching-te.

China asked the Philippine government not to play with fire and respect its internal affairs as it continues to claim ownership of Taiwan.  Marcos was also asked by China’s Foreign Ministry Deputy Director Mao Ning to read more books to understand the issue at hand.

“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?” he asked.

(You are acting like you own the Philippines as if you also want to water cannon our voices.  You do not have even an inch of sovereignty here then you would hinder our right to express our sentiments?)

“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?” he added.

Barbers says the Philippines will always fight to maintain its freedom and independence.

“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,” he claimed.

Barbers was not the first lawmaker to call out China over its statements against Marcos.  Earlier, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. said that Marcos’ greeting was only meant to strengthen international relations and should not be interpreted as a deviation from a one-China policy.

Gonzales said in a separate statement that it is within Marcos’ prerogative to greet other global leaders, especially since Taiwan has been a long-time host to overseas Filipino workers.

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian meanwhile urged the Philippine government to handle issues involving Taiwan prudently, adding that it must respect China’s internal affairs.