Manila: Cabinet Secretary Benjamin 'Benhur' Abalos Jr. on Saturday condemned China's depiction of Filipinos as 'racist and dehumanizing', emphasizing that 'respect among nations begins with respect for one another's humanity.'
According to Philippines News Agency, Abalos joined the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in strongly condemning the publication by state-run China Daily of AI-generated videos and editorial cartoons related to the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award. These publications portrayed Filipinos as monkeys, which has sparked outrage.
Abalos expressed deep offense as a Filipino at any attempt to belittle the people through offensive and degrading imagery. He stated, 'There is no place for racism or the dehumanization of any nation or people, especially in responsible public discourse.'
He further stressed the importance of dignity and respect, asserting that the Filipino people deserve to be treated with these values. 'We stand firmly with the Department of Foreign Affairs in rejecting these offensive portrayals and in defending the honor, dignity, and rights of every Filipino,' he said.
The video that circulated on July 10 depicted a monkey dressed in Filipino national attire being manipulated by foreign powers before being thrown into the sea and sprayed with a water cannon. The DFA declared the video as "deeply offensive, distressing, and unacceptable."
The department has demanded the removal of the 'offensive' video and called for the 'immediate cessation of such irresponsible content.'
