Philippines Condemns China Daily Video for Racist Depiction of Filipinos

Manila Files Protest Over Racist State Media Depiction

The Philippine government has formally protested a video released by the state-run China Daily that depicted Filipinos as monkeys.

A Sharp Rebuke from Defense and Interior Officials

Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. issued a sharp rebuke, labeling the imagery as a “racist, dehumanizing” attack.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro dismissed denials from Chinese authorities regarding the video’s origins or intent.

Domestic Fallout and Political Infighting

The controversy intensified domestically following comments made by Senator Robin Padilla, who reportedly defended the China Daily video. This stance drew a direct challenge from Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela.

Legislators across the political spectrum have since joined the chorus of disapproval, characterizing the video as a deliberate provocation that harms diplomatic relations.

Stalemate in the West Philippine Sea