Officials of Kalayaan town shrugged off China’s decision to bar them from entering its territory, including the special administrative regions Hong Kong and Macao, after they were linked to resolutions declaring the Chinese ambassador “persona non grata.”
Kalayaan Vice Mayor Maurice Philipp Albayda said he was not bothered by the move, describing it instead as recognition of their stand.
“Happiest. A badge of honor,” Albayda said.
In a separate interview, he stressed that their actions were rooted in patriotism.
“We are happy to do our duty, our true mandate as true-blooded Filipinos,” he said.
“Kahit anong mangyari hindi namin ipagpapalit ang kahit pagkakataon na makarating sa iba’t ibang bansa kesa sa aming pagiging Pilipino. Pilipino tayong mamamatay, hindi tayo pasisiil,” he added.
In a Facebook live broadcast, Councilor Francis Polizon said they remained firm in their position despite the ban.
“Not a square inch ang isusuko natin sa any foreign… wala tayong isusuko sa kahit kaninong banyaga,” Polizon said.
He added that the restriction would not affect them.
“Huwag po kayong mag-alala although may passport tayo pero wala naman po tayong planong pumunta sa ngayon or kahit kailan man siguro sa mga bansang yan [China, Hong Kong, and Macao],” he said.
“Hindi po ako nagagambala na ako’y nadeklarang persona non grata… libutin muna natin ang Pilipinas bago natin pangarapin pumunta doon,” he added.
Earlier Tuesday, the Chinese Embassy in Manila announced that 16 individuals associated with the passage of Sangguniang Bayan resolutions in 2023 and 2026 against Chinese ambassadors Huang Xilian and Jing Quan would be prohibited from entering China, including Hong Kong and Macao.
They are:
1. Beltzasar S. Alindogan (Mayor)
2. Maurice Phillip Alexis S. Albayda (Vice Mayor)
3. Nonelon B. Balbontin
4. Nonie C. Gapuz
5. Roberto M. Asiado
6. Hubert B. Llavan
7. Francis P. Polizon
8. Marilou S. Vales
9. Monico A. Abogado
10. Eugenio B. Bito-onon
11. Hermoso A. Ornopia
12. Tracylie Shierjun R. Malabayabas
13. Arzel E. Belidan
14. Vicencio R. Milan
15. Allan D. Dellosa
16. Mary Cristina J. Lagrosa
In a statement issued, the embassy said the “so-called ‘Kalayaan Municipality’ council of the Philippines” adopted resolutions in 2023 and 2026 against the Chinese ambassador.
“Based on the principle of reciprocity, the individuals involved in fabricating the said resolutions are not welcome to enter China (including Hong Kong and Macao),” the Chinese Embassy said.
Kalayaan, a remote municipality under Palawan province that administers parts of the disputed West Philippine Sea, has previously taken symbolic actions in support of the country’s territorial claims.
As of posting time, the Chinese Embassy had yet to issue additional statements on the officials’ reactions.
