THE Stratbase Institute urged the government to resist any foreign pressure that could affect investigations into Chinese-linked steel facilities accused of violating Philippine laws, saying law enforcement agencies should be allowed to do their work without interference.
“We must assert that no foreign government can dictate how Philippine agencies and courts enforce domestic laws or intimidate officials carrying out their duties,” Stratbase Institute President Victor Andres “Dindo” C. Manhit said in a statement on Wednesday.
Mr. Manhit issued the statement after reports that Filipinos in China could face arrest unless Chinese workers detained during recent enforcement operations in the Philippines were released.
The remarks came as Philippine agencies defended enforcement actions against Chinese-linked steel facilities, including a raid on Sanjia Steel Corp. in Pampanga.
The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission said the Sanjia operation was an interagency law enforcement action and not a campaign targeting Chinese nationals. It added that authorities acted on possible violations of Philippine immigration and labor laws rather than nationality.
The Department of National Defense also rejected the Chinese Embassy’s description of Philippine security concerns as “political rhetoric” and “inflammatory language.”
Authorities have continued inspections and raids on steel facilities in Pampanga, Misamis Oriental and Davao. Officials reportedly found radioactive materials, toxic waste, illegal emissions and substandard steel products during the operations.
Mr. Manhit said more than 40 other facilities are under investigation for suspected violations, raising concerns about worker safety, public health, consumer protection and environmental compliance.
He also cited China’s sanctions against Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. last year over his statements on the South China Sea dispute, saying Philippine officials should not be intimidated for carrying out their duties.
Mr. Manhit urged authorities to pursue the investigations transparently, observe due process and hold violators accountable under Philippine law.
He also warned against foreign disinformation campaigns that could undermine legitimate law enforcement efforts, discredit officials and erode public trust in government institutions.
At the same time, Mr. Manhit said enforcement actions should not be interpreted as hostility toward Chinese nationals or the Filipino-Chinese community.
“Legitimate Philippine enforcement must not be mischaracterized as xenophobia, nor should Chinese nationals or Filipino-Chinese communities be unfairly targeted,” he said. — Pexcel John Bacon