Manila, Jan. 26 -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday raised "serious concern" over the word war between the Chinese Embassy in Manila and Filipino lawmakers.

The agency said it had lodged "firm representations" with Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan and the Chinese Embassy to express its concern over the "escalation of public exchanges" and called for circumspection in language and actions.

"We reiterate our previous statements affirming support for our officials to perform their lawful duties in defense of Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction," it said.

"Their views, as well as those of disagreeing voices, are an inescapable part of the robust plurality of ideas that animate our democratic society."

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