Senate in talks with China embassy to schedule dialogue, says DFADepartment of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson on Maritime Affairs Rogelio Villanueva Jr. speaks to the media at a briefing in the department headquarters in Pasay City on Feb. 20, 2026. "It is our belief that the Senate is already making direct representations with the Embassy of Manila to find a mutually convenient date for that dialogue," Villanueva said in a press briefing. He added that the DFA is ready to step in if needed: "If the Senate reaches out to the DFA, definitely we are prepared to extend the necessary assistance." Former senator Francis Tolentino said earlier this week that the DFA should not meddle with the Senate's debates and instead summon Chinese embassy officials. Sen. Kiko Pangilinan — who was among many lawmakers the Chinese embassy publicly criticized — said any talks hinge on the embassy's sincerity.

Source: Philippine Star February 20, 2026 14:28 UTC