Malacañang on Monday clarified that First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos’ attendance at a public consular event, where she was seen in photos with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan, has no bearing on the government’s policy direction or diplomatic stance.

The clarification came after photos circulated online showing First Lady Araneta-Marcos seated near Ambassador Jing during a concert by renowned Chinese pianist Lang Lang on Friday, January 30.

During the press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro reiterated that the photo of the First Lady and the Chinese envoy does not reflect the country’s policy direction nor is it linked to any diplomatic affairs.

“Ang kung dumalo man ang ating unang ginang sa mga public curricular event, hindi po ito nagre-reflect ng policy direction at hindi po ito nalilink sa anumang diplomatic matters," Castro noted.

In a separate social media post, Jing said he had a “pleasant talk with the First Lady“ during the event.

The Palace issued the statement amid an ongoing word war between some officials of the Chinese Embassy and several Philippine senators over the embassy’s actions and remarks against certain government officials.

"At alam naman po ng mga mambabatas na ang Pangulo po ang siyang mayroong authority kung magpapadeklarman ng isang tao ng persona non grata,” Castro said.

“Alam naman po ng mga mambabatas na ang Pangulo po ang siyang may authority kung magpapa-declare man ng isang tao na persona non grata. Alam po nila ‘yan, wala pong masasabi na political impasse,” she said.

Castro said the Palace has not been informed of the details of their conversation, adding that the First Lady has yet to relay what was discussed.

The encounter occurred amid calls from some lawmakers to declare Jing persona non grata following his statements directed at several Philippine officials.

Castro emphasized that decisions regarding diplomatic sanctions remain solely within the President’s authority.