Imee Marcos suggests immunity for alleged China recording witnesses

Sen. Imee R. Marcos (Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines—The executive branch may  consider granting  immunity  to witnesses to an alleged audio recording of a  Filipino general agreeing to a “new model” in Ayungin  Shoal,  Senator Imee Marcos said on Thursday.

Marcos floated this idea following reports about the alleged recorded  phone conversation between a Chinese official and Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos, chief of the Western Command (Wescom).

“The executive branch has the discretion to offer immunity to witnesses who will step forward with the alleged recordings and details thereof,”  the senator said in  a statement to reporters when sought for comment  on the issue.

“With the Anti-Wiretapping law being very strict, the executive should consider granting such immunity to key witnesses if they really want to get to the bottom of this issue,” added Marcos, head of the  Senate committee on foreign relations.

In the alleged audio recording, Carlos supposedly told the Chinese official  that the Philippine government has  agreed to deescalate tension in Ayungin  Shoal.

The  Wescom chief  is currently on leave but the Armed Forces of the Philippines quickly  clarified  his decision had nothing to do with the  alleged deal.

Marcos’ panel is set to investigate another alleged  deal between  China and then President Rodrigo  Duterte  in connection with  the West Philippine Sea issue. 

Senator  Jingoy Estrada, on the other hand,  dismissed China’s claims about the  “new model” deal, saying it was “nothing but another apparent disinformation campaign by the Chinese government.”

“China’s claim is nothing more than smoke and mirrors. We will not be swayed by falsehoods,” Estrada said in another  statement.

He added these assertions were “nothing more than a trap” aimed at diverting  attention from China’s unfounded claims and aggressive actions. 

Estrada then called  on the military to remain loyal to the Philippine flag  and  to be  “vigilant against any underhanded tactics that may weaken our position.”

“We must stand united in defense of our territorial rights, as our strength lies in our unity,” he said.

The Department ofForeign Affairs (DFA) has also warned the public against “falling for false narratives,” in response to these new claims from China.

“Resorting to tactics such as releasing unverifiable recordings of supposed conversations with Philippine officials could demonstrate efforts to sow discord and confusion among Philippine agencies and the Filipino public,” DFA Spokesperson Teresita Daza said.