Barbers urges officials favoring China interests to resign

MANILA, Philippines - House Prosecution Panel adviser and spokesman Ace Barbers on Saturday called on government officials who openly or covertly advance China's interests over Philippine national interests to voluntarily resign.Barbers said public officials take an oath to uphold the Constitution, protect Philippine sovereignty and faithfully serve the Filipino people, stressing that "the only acceptable position for every public servant is to be unequivocally pro-Philippines.""Public office demands one allegiance because this is not 'dual citizenship' - only one flag should be served and that is the one that pays your salary... an official of this government requires undivided loyalty," he said.Barbers said his appeal was directed at officials whose statements, decisions and policy recommendations affect national security, diplomacy and the welfare of Filipinos, not ordinary citizens who hold differing views on foreign policy.He also distinguished constructive engagement with other countries from positions that undermine Philippine rights, weaken the country's negotiating position or erode public confidence in efforts to defend national sovereignty."If an official believes another country's agenda should prevail over the Philippines' sovereign rights and national welfare, then the honorable course of action is to relinquish the privilege of public office," Barbers said.