Philippines warns China of diplomatic consequences over alleged wiretapping of senior navy officer

Lawmakers in the Philippines have threatened to expel Chinese embassy officials if they violated the country’s anti-wiretapping law following controversial claims about a recorded conversation between a diplomat and a senior Philippine navy officer regarding conduct in the South China Sea.

Observers said the Manila should be ready to handle the fallout of such actions, including potential retaliation against Philippine citizens working in China, as well as prepare a security plan to combat the risk of diplomats engaging in such illicit acts in the future.

On May 21, the Senate Committee on National Defence and Security, led by Senator Jinggoy Estrada, will formally start an investigation into whether personnel at the Chinese embassy in Manila personnel violated the country’s Anti-Wiretapping Act when they released an audio recording and transcript purportedly documenting a phone conversation between an unnamed embassy official and Vice-Admiral Alberto Carlos.

The embassy released the transcript and played audio of the purported call to select Philippine news outlets last week. Philippine officials have dismissed the embassy’s evidence, with some arguing it was likely fabricated.