Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard regarding the West Philippine Sea, has urged senators to demand an apology from China. This follows a controversial video released by China Daily that portrays Filipinos as monkeys.
A Call for Accountability
My question now to the senators... will our senators also demand an apology from the Chinese embassy for calling us monkeys?
Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela
- Tarriela challenges Senators Cayetano and Padilla to respond to racist video.
- The China Daily video mocks the Philippines' 2016 South China Sea arbitral award.
Tarriela specifically called out Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Robin Padilla, who previously criticized him for his portrayal of Chinese President Xi Jinping. He highlighted the stark difference between satire and the racist depiction in the China Daily video.
The video features Filipinos depicted as 'stupid monkeys' in traditional attire, singing karaoke, and following Western nations. Tarriela argues this portrayal undermines the agency of the Filipino people.
Calling the video a racist attack, Tarriela expressed that it collectively represents all Filipinos, regardless of political affiliations. "If you identify as Filipino, it means we are all being called 'stupid monkeys' by the People's Republic of China," he said.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of National Defense have also condemned the video, calling for its removal and denouncing its racist undertones.
Tarriela emphasized that the China Daily, being a state-run outlet, reflects the views of the Chinese government. He criticized the Chinese embassy's silence on the issue, questioning why they have not addressed the controversy.
Despite the tensions, Tarriela noted that such incidents may inadvertently fuel patriotism among Filipinos, fostering a united front against derogatory portrayals.
As of now, the Chinese embassy in Manila has not publicly responded to the demands for an apology or the condemnation from Philippine officials.