The Chinese Embassy in Manila on Thursday said Ambassador Jing Quan will immediately depart the Philippines but "with immense pride and honor," should President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos declare him persona non grata over the heated exchanges between Filipino and Chinese officials. They could simply declare Ambassador Jing Quan 'persona non grata'—that would be the most straightforward approach. As ambassador, he bears responsibility for all words and actions of the Chinese Embassy," Ji said. Should any Chinese diplomat be declared persona non grata, Ji also asked to be included himself and the entire 12-member media affairs and public diplomacy team of the embassy. Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III, meanwhile, floated the possibility of declaring Chinese Embassy deputy spokesperson Guo Wei persona non grata.