Manila: Senator Erwin Tulfo on Wednesday signaled support for diplomatic de-escalation amid recent tensions involving statements from the Chinese Embassy, saying the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) should take the lead while negotiations on a South China Sea Code of Conduct (COC) move forward.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tulfo, chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, emphasized that foreign policy responses should be managed by the DFA. In a chance interview, he stated, "Ipaubaya na muna natin sa Department of Foreign Affairs. sila na ho, trabaho po nila 'yan (Let us leave it for now to the Department of Foreign Affairs. that is their job)."

Tulfo noted that discussions on a COC are ongoing among claimant states, including Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei. He added that China appears open to engagement, as per briefings from DFA officials. "At least dito. mukhang amenable naman daw ang China (At least here. China appears amenable)," he commented.

While reaffirming that the Philippines continues to base its position on the 2016 arbitral ruling, Tulfo stressed the importance of focusing on the safety of Filipino personnel and fisherfolk operating in the West Philippine Sea. "Ang importante kasi wala sanang masaktan na mga personnel natin, mga mangingisda natin (What is important is that none of our personnel and fishermen are harmed)," he said.

Tulfo's remarks came amid renewed public exchanges between Philippine officials and the Chinese Embassy, following the Senate's adoption of a resolution condemning recent statements against Filipino officials.