DFA Spokesperson for Maritime Affairs Rogelio Villanueva holds a press conference on March 16, 2026. (Photo by Katrina Manubay / Manila Standard)
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday firmly rejected what it described as an erroneous and misleading statement from the Chinese Embassy in Manila, reaffirming the Philippines’ longstanding and indisputable sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc and the Kalayaan Island Group.
During a press briefing, DFA spokesperson for maritime affairs Rogelio Villanueva addressed recent claims made by the Chinese Embassy in Manila, emphasizing that the Philippines has exercised continuous and uninterrupted sovereignty and jurisdiction over Bajo de Masinloc for centuries.
“The Philippines flatly rejects China’s assertion of indisputable sovereignty over the entire South China Sea. This claim has no basis in fact, no basis in history, and no basis in international law. Full stop,” Villanueva said.
This response follows an alleged letter dated February 1990, purportedly from former Philippine ambassador to Germany Bienvenido Tan to a German HAM radio operator, Dieter Löffler.
The letter claimed that Bajo de Masinloc—known internationally as Scarborough Shoal—lies outside the Philippines’ territorial sovereignty as defined by the 1899 Treaty of Paris, but affirmed that the area falls within the Philippines’ 200-mile economic zone.
Villanueva emphasized that the DFA will avoid engaging in speculation about documents of uncertain origin or authenticity, noting that debating materials circulated on social media by third parties has little value and can misrepresent established facts.
“China must be reminded that maritime and territorial claims are subject to established international legal procedures and dispute settlement mechanisms—not unilateral proclamations or social media posts,” he added.
The DFA official also noted that continued avoidance of established international legal processes raises questions about the strength of these claims, remarking that states confident in their positions would not hesitate to pursue international adjudication.
Villanueva reiterated that Bajo de Masinloc has long been under Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction, citing the country’s sustained and peaceful exercise of authority over the shoal.
Earlier, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela said China’s attempt to present the document was misleading and distorted its full context.
Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Panatag Shoal, is also claimed by Beijing, which refers to it as Huangyan Dao.