MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Saturday called on Malacañang to summon the Chinese ambassador over an AI-generated video by a Chinese state-run media outlet depicting Filipinos as monkeys.
The video is among the outlet’s many contents dismissing the 2016 Arbitral Award dismissing China’s historical claims over the West Philippine Sea.
“We completely and unequivocally reject China’s racist propaganda. We Filipinos should never be caricatured and stripped of our humanity because of our nationality,” Hontiveros said in a statement.
READ: Lacson: Racist depictions reflect China’s character
“I urge Malacañang to summon the Chinese ambassador to convey our deep indignation over this dangerous propaganda,” she continued.
The senator also called the video “appalling,” saying it “weakens China’s credibility” in saying it is “fostering friendship and mutual respect with the Philippines.”
She then maintained that China must apologize to the Philippines for the “utterly racist act.”
“The Chinese government owes the Filipino people a public apology. Until then, this utterly racist act will stand as a violation of the most basic standards of respect that should govern relations between nations,” Hontiveros stressed.
She added: “Racism has no place in public discourse, and certainly no place in statecraft. Disagreements between nations should be settled through diplomacy, facts, and international law, and not through propaganda.”
Hontiveros further described the video as a “cheap attempt” to isolate the Philippines from its allies and other countries, but noted that the content will have the opposite effect.
“The more the Chinese government insults and demeans the Filipino people, the closer the ties we will build with nations willing to stand shoulder to shoulder with us on issues of vital national interest like the West Philippine Sea,” she pointed out.
‘Desperate, AI slop’
Senior Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito likewise condemned the monkey video, calling it an act of “desperation” and “AI slop.”
“It is nothing but a proof of desperation on two levels. While it is deeply offensive, resorting to racism by portraying a monkey dressed in Philippine national attire — a Barong Tagalog and salakot — only reveals their inability to defend their claims based on merits,” Ejercito pointed out in a separate statement.
He also said: “It is what it is: an AI slop — a smear-piece to provoke outrage and spread misinformation instead of encouraging informed discussion. This kind of content only fuels prejudice, distorts facts, and deepens division.”
READ: Tarriela to senators: Demand China apology over ‘monkey’ video
Ejercito echoed Hontiveros’ sentiment that such an act does not strengthen China’s position and claims over the West Philippine Sea, instead it takes attention away from the matter.
Moreover, Ejercito stressed that the Filipino nationality will not be insulted and diminished, saying “When the nationality of Filipinos is underestimated, we must courageously stand up and fight for the truth, dignity, and respect.”
Ejercito also addressed China in his statement.
“It is time to accept reality and move on! The 2016 Arbitral Award is final and binding. It cannot be erased by the passage of time. It cannot be overturned by intimidation. And it certainly cannot be rewritten through propaganda or AI-generated disinformation,” he emphasized. /das
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