Defense Secretary Slams Chinese Embassy for Violating Anti-Wiretapping Law
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. expressed his strong disapproval of the Chinese Embassy’s actions, accusing them of violating the anti-wiretapping law. The embassy had released an audio recording that allegedly featured Western Command Chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos discussing a “new model” for managing the dispute over Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal. While Teodoro did not outright deny the authenticity of the recording, he firmly denied the existence of any secret deal regarding Ayungin Shoal.
Doubts Surrounding the Recording
It is important to note that Vice Admiral Carlos was on leave when the audio recording was released, making it difficult to ascertain whether it was indeed his voice on the tape. At a symposium titled “Turning the Tides in the West Philippine Sea,” Teodoro expressed skepticism about the recording, citing the Chinese government’s tendency to spread misinformation. He criticized the Chinese Embassy for violating the anti-wiretapping law and secretly recording the alleged conversation between Carlos and an unidentified Chinese diplomat.
Violation of Philippine Laws and International Relations
Teodoro emphasized that if the statement did originate from the Chinese Embassy and it involved the recording of any individual from the Philippines, it would be a clear admission of their violation of Philippine laws, particularly the anti-wiretapping law. He further stated that such actions by the Chinese Embassy also constituted a violation of international relations, describing it as an “underground operation.” Teodoro firmly asserted that only the President of the Philippines, and no one else, had the authority to enter into agreements regarding the West Philippine Sea.
Teodoro entrusted the evaluation of the Chinese Embassy’s actions to the Department of Foreign Affairs, urging them to determine who was responsible and promptly expel the individual from the Philippines. He highlighted the need for countermeasures against China’s extensive disinformation campaign.
Meanwhile, Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, the spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, dismissed the Chinese claims of a secret agreement on Ayungin Shoal as a “dead story.” Trinidad refused to give credence to revived stories and stated that he would act as the undertaker, burying the narrative where it rightfully belonged.
Despite the controversy stirred by the Chinese Embassy, Teodoro affirmed that the morale of the Philippine Navy and the Armed Forces of the Philippines remained high.
Chinese Embassy’s Perspective
A Chinese embassy official, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained that they released the audio recording made on January 3, 2024, to prove that they were not lying about the proposed “new model” for peacefully managing the situation at Ayungin Shoal. The official emphasized that their intention was not to embarrass anyone but rather to find a way to de-escalate tensions and manage the situation. Through the recorded telephone conversation, the Chinese official claimed that China received confirmation of Defense Secretary Teodoro, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, and AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. all approving the “new model,” as conveyed by Vice Admiral Carlos.
In conclusion, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. strongly condemned the Chinese Embassy for violating the anti-wiretapping law and secretly recording a supposed conversation. While doubts surrounded the authenticity of the recording and the involvement of Vice Admiral Carlos, Teodoro emphasized that only the President of the Philippines had the authority to enter into agreements regarding the West Philippine Sea. The matter was entrusted to the Department of Foreign Affairs for evaluation, with Teodoro urging the expulsion of the responsible party. Despite the controversy, the morale of the Philippine Navy and Armed Forces remained resilient. The Chinese Embassy defended their release of the audio recording as an attempt to de-escalate tensions and find a peaceful resolution.
Source: The Manila Times