‘Get the f**k out’: Philippine senator confronts Chinese Embassy in free speech row
A heated diplomatic row erupted on Monday after a Philippine senator publicly challenged Chinese officials over perceived interference in the country’s domestic affairs, telling them bluntly: “Get the f**k out.”
Senator Erwin Tulfo’s remarks came during a Senate session on Monday, following repeated statements by the Chinese embassy criticizing Filipino officials for defending the nation’s maritime claims in the West Philippine Sea.
Tulfo accused the embassy of attempting to export censorship to a country that he said “fought, bled, and died to be free.”
“We are told that criticizing a foreign head of state is completely unacceptable. Let me say this then: If you do not like how democracy works in this country, then you are free to leave the Philippines. Get the f**k out,” Tulfo said.
“We do not take lessons on democracy from a government that jails critics. We do not take lectures on free speech from a system that suppresses it. Our house, our terms. Respect is not demanded — it is earned. And it is mutual,” he added.
Tulfo’s remarks came amid tensions over the West Philippine Sea, where he condemned Chinese statements threatening Filipino officials with unspecified “consequences” for defending Philippine sovereignty.
The Chinese embassy responded sharply through Deputy Spokesperson Guo Wei, asserting Beijing’s right to defend itself.
“You have the freedom to attack others. We also have the right to defend ourselves—and push back. Freedom of speech, after all,” Guo said, warning Tulfo to consider the diplomatic implications of his statements.
The incident has prompted calls within the Philippine Senate to escalate the matter.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III suggested the chamber study the possibility of recommending Guo be declared persona non grata, a diplomatic measure that would formally declare him unwelcome.
The diplomatic spat follows a Senate resolution earlier this month, signed by 15 senators, condemning public statements by the Chinese embassy that questioned the legitimacy of Philippine officials defending the country’s maritime rights.
In a social media post, the embassy dismissed the resolution, stating that “echoes do not make a claim true” and that arguments, not numbers, should stand up to scrutiny.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
