People behind ‘province of China’ banners crazy, traitors–Palace

Malacañang on Friday described as “crazy,” “unpatriotic” and “traitors” the people responsible for putting up the controversial red banners on Thursday that proclaimed the Philippines a province of China.

Saying he was “gigil na po (really agitated now),” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque lambasted those who hung the red tarpaulins over major roads in Metro Manila.

“If they are not fools, then why would they say that? If they are against the President or policies, that’s OK, but to disrespect the nation, that is foolish,” Roque said over state-run Radyo Pilipinas.

President’s joke

Authorities have already taken down the tarpaulins with the words “Welcome to the Philippines, Province of China” written on them.

The message seemed to be a reference to President Du- terte’s speech to an audience of Filipino-Chinese businessmen in February, when he jested about making the Philippines a province of China.

The tarpaulins were displayed in time for the second anniversary of the country’s victory in the international arbitral court in The Hague which nullified China’s claim over the West Philippine Sea.

Roque initially brushed off the banners as “absurd” and said it was the work of the enemies of the government.

He reiterated his stinging remarks on Friday, saying the banners were an insult to the nation.

“Those people are not just crazy, they have no love for the country, they are traitors, they are shameless,” he said.

Senior Supt. Benigno Durana, Philippine National Police spokesperson, said the people who put up the banners may have violated city ordinances on littering and unauthorized postings.