A sharp exchange over freedom of expression unfolded at the Senate as Sen. Erwin Tulfo rejected what he described as an attempt by Beijing to impose limits on how Filipinos speak about tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
Speaking during the reopening of plenary session deliberations, Tulfo asserted that speech in the Philippines is governed by its Constitution, not by the preferences of any foreign state. He emphasized that no external government has standing to set boundaries on public discourse within the country.
He went further by saying that any foreign power uncomfortable with the Philippines’ democratic system is under no obligation to remain engaged with it.
“If you do not like how democracy works in this country, then you are free to leave the Philippines. Get the f… out,” Tulfo said.
“This is our house. Hindi sila ang boss natin at tayo ay mga tau-tauhan lang nila,” he added.
The remarks came after a statement from a Chinese Embassy official cautioning that freedom of expression should not be used to malign others, particularly foreign leaders. That comment was issued following a social media post by Philippine Coast Guard West Philippine Sea spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela, which included satirical images of Chinese President Xi Jinping accompanied by the phrase “Why China remains to be bully?”
Tulfo dismissed the embassy’s warning, arguing that Chinese officials were in no position to lecture Filipinos on civil liberties. He said freedom of expression is not safeguarded in China and is instead met with punishment.
“So do not export censorship to a nation that fought, bled, and died to be free,” he said.
He also took issue with statements attributed to Chinese authorities suggesting that Philippine officials would “pay the price” for their public remarks on the West Philippine Sea, describing such language as an effort to intimidate and suppress criticism.
According to Tulfo, Filipino officials were fulfilling their mandate by speaking openly about actions they view as hostile to the country’s sovereignty.
“Our officials have the right and the duty to speak about aggression against our nation. And Filipinos, Mr. President, will not whisper in their own house just to avoid offending a foreign power, particularly China,” he said.
Tulfo added that democratic norms and free speech are not lessons the Philippines will accept from governments that imprison critics and stifle dissent.
“Respect is not demanded. It is earned. And it is mutual. If you want respect from Filipinos, then respect our Constitution. Respect our officials. Respect our freedom of speech. And respect the simple truth that this is not your country,” he said.
“The Filipino people are not afraid. We are not silent. And we will not be bullied, politely or otherwise,” he added.
