Manuel Mogato | November 9, 2026
MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs on Sunday asserted its primary role in engaging with China on the territorial dispute, asking other agencies to fall behind the president’s foreign policy directions.
In a rebuke of defense and uniformed services officials, the foreign affairs department said no official can “independently determine the direction of our international relations.”
Citing the Constitution, it said the president is the chief architect of the Philippine’s foreign policy. (Also read: Philippines still seeks diplomatic route over South China Sea conflict)
“All government officials, both civilian and uniformed, are expected to align with the President’s policy directions,” the lengthy statement said, without alluding to any official.
“They may not pursue preferred approaches toward China, or any other international partner, without regard for the consequences on the government’s overall policy,” the statement further said.
“Personal advocacies must never serve interests other than the national interest. Whatever personal convictions public officials may hold, their public platforms carry institutional responsibilities.”
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has been vocal on his defense of the country’s national interests after Beijing, through its embassy in Manila, intensified personal attacks on defense and uniformed officials.
The “word war” between Teodoro and the Chinese embassy has raised concerns among business groups because it could damage trade and economic relations between the two countries. (Also read: Philippine military expressed full support for Teodoro against Chinese embassy criticism)
The foreign affairs also defended Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro’s phone conversation with China’s top diplomat Wang Yi, saying the exchange formed part of a deliberate effort on both sides to “maintain stable and predictable bilateral relations, manage differences responsibly, and secure a conducive regional environment—before, during and beyond the ASEAN and APEC Summits.”
“In high-stakes diplomacy, a disciplined and coherent national voice remains essential to advancing our national interests,” it added.
The foreign affairs ministry said it was “regrettable” that statements made by some public officials may have undermined the president’s foreign policy.
“Public statements that undermine the government’s diplomatic approach do more than complicate the work of our diplomats,” it said.
“They risk eroding the country’s credibility in international affairs and project an image of internal division that external parties can exploit. Such actions can ultimately weaken the Philippines’ negotiating position.”
Teodoro has not responded to the foreign ministry’s statement.