Tolentino wants Chinese embassy execs in PH to attend Senate probe

Sen. Francis “Tol” N. Tolentino stresses a point during a privilege speech he delivered on January 26, 2021. FILE PHOTO / Senate PRIB

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Francis Tolentino wants officials of the Chinese embassy in Manila to attend the chamber’s investigation into the alleged wiretapping incident surrounding the supposed “new model” for handling Ayungin Shoal missions.

In a press conference, Tolentino said the Senate panel on national defense has committed to probe the issue on Tuesday, May 21. But what would happen if the Chinese embassy opted to skip the investigation?

“Hindi sila pwedeng ma-compel, but because this involves a violation of Philippine laws palagay ko dapat um-attend sila. In good faith sila. Para patunayan na wala silang inililihim,” Tolentino told reporters.

(We cannot compel them, but because this involves a violation of Philippine laws, I think they should attend in good faith to prove that they are not hiding anything.)

In an article published May 7, Bloomberg said China might soon release an audio recording allegedly proving that AFP Western Command chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos “agreed” to a “new model” in handling resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal.

Tolentino, on the other hand, reminded that Republic Act No. 4200 makes it illegal for any person to secretly overhear, intercept, or record any private communication without consent of all parties involved.

READ: Probe sought into alleged wiretapping of Chinese embassy on AFP exec

“Hindi natin sila pwedeng pilitin eh. So probably it will just confirm something na may nililihim pa sila and it would just also show that they are continuously violating Philippine laws,” he added.

(We cannot force them. So, it will probably just confirm something—that they are hiding something—and it would also show that they are continuously violating Philippine laws.)

INQUIRER.net asked the Chinese embassy for its comment on the matter, prodding whether it would attend the probe, but it has yet to respond as of press time.