DFA to probe diplomats' illegal activities
THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it will investigate reports of illegal and unlawful activities of diplomatic officials and take action in line with existing laws and regulations.The DFA issued the statement on Monday amid calls to expel the Chinese diplomat involved in the wiretapping of a ranking military officer when they supposedly discussed a "new model" for managing Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal."Being a strong advocate of rules-based governance, the Philippine Government is firm and united in respecting and upholding the rule of law in both the domestic and international milieus," the DFA said."It is in this context that the Philippines — as a responsible member of the international community of nations — has consistently called for adherence to international law, including the United Nations Charter, the Vienna Conventions governing inter-state relations, and in the maritime domain, the 1982 Unclos (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), among others," it added.The DFA said foreign diplomats in the Philippines "are accorded the necessary liberties to conduct their diplomatic duties, with the expectation that they, in turn, will conduct their diplomatic activities with the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, in pursuit of common interests and mutually beneficial outcomes."The Foreign Affairs Department said it will "continue to focus its efforts on advancing cooperation with all countries."The DFA, in a statement on May 9, said diplomats should respect the laws and not interfere in the internal affairs of their host country.The Chinese Embassy in Manila released a transcript of the supposed telephone conversation between an unnamed Chinese diplomat and Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command chief Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos, agreeing to a new model for managing Ayungin Shoal.The DFA said diplomats should "strictly adhere" to the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, particularly Article 41, which states that "...it is the duty of all persons to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving State. They also have a duty not to interfere in the internal affairs of that State."Lin Jian, China Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman on May 11 asked the Philippines "to ensure that Chinese diplomats can carry out their duty normally, and to stop provocations and infringements.""The Philippines needs to quit denying the facts and must not make reckless moves that will only backfire on the Philippines itself," he added.
Tomas Kauer - Moderator 
THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it will investigate reports of illegal and unlawful activities of diplomatic officials and take action in line with existing laws and regulations.
The DFA issued the statement on Monday amid calls to expel the Chinese diplomat involved in the wiretapping of a ranking military officer when they supposedly discussed a "new model" for managing Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.
"Being a strong advocate of rules-based governance, the Philippine Government is firm and united in respecting and upholding the rule of law in both the domestic and international milieus," the DFA said.
"It is in this context that the Philippines — as a responsible member of the international community of nations — has consistently called for adherence to international law, including the United Nations Charter, the Vienna Conventions governing inter-state relations, and in the maritime domain, the 1982 Unclos (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), among others," it added.
The DFA said foreign diplomats in the Philippines "are accorded the necessary liberties to conduct their diplomatic duties, with the expectation that they, in turn, will conduct their diplomatic activities with the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, in pursuit of common interests and mutually beneficial outcomes."
The Foreign Affairs Department said it will "continue to focus its efforts on advancing cooperation with all countries."
The DFA, in a statement on May 9, said diplomats should respect the laws and not interfere in the internal affairs of their host country.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila released a transcript of the supposed telephone conversation between an unnamed Chinese diplomat and Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command chief Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos, agreeing to a new model for managing Ayungin Shoal.
The DFA said diplomats should "strictly adhere" to the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, particularly Article 41, which states that "...it is the duty of all persons to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving State. They also have a duty not to interfere in the internal affairs of that State."
Lin Jian, China Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman on May 11 asked the Philippines "to ensure that Chinese diplomats can carry out their duty normally, and to stop provocations and infringements."
"The Philippines needs to quit denying the facts and must not make reckless moves that will only backfire on the Philippines itself," he added.
