Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said that diplomatic immunity is never ‘absolute’ and is always regulated within the bounds of law enforced by the receiving State.

This, after the Chinese Embassy reportedly released the alleged transcript and recordings of the conversation between a Philippine military official and a Chinese diplomat involving Ayungin Shoal.

Remulla ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct an in-depth investigation into the reported illegal and unlawful activities committed by foreign diplomats.

He said, “while enjoying the privileges and immunities accorded to foreign diplomats, it is also their duty to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving state.”

Remulla vowed to take appropriate actions, if warranted, against these diplomats.

“Diplomatic immunity should never be used as a license to exploit our country’s peace and harmony for selfish motives, this privilege does not shield anyone from the consequences of the Rule of Law,” he stressed.

According to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, diplomats, employees of international organizations and their immediate family members are covered by a certain degree of diplomatic immunity during their stay in a receiving State.

However, diplomatic immunity is only with respect to official acts performed in the exercise of official duties and functions necessary for advocating international comity, policies and interests. Department of Justice