Former government official and commentator Loraine Badoy has publicly criticized President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (BBM) for allegedly violating diplomatic protocol during a recent international engagement involving Chinese President Xi Jinping, calling the act a “major faux pas” and “painful to watch.”
In a strongly worded social media post, Badoy accused the President of “invading President Xi’s space” by crossing through designated seats of other leaders to greet the Chinese leader, describing the gesture as a humiliating breach of protocol that reflects poorly on the country’s leadership.
Protocol Breach and Diplomatic Implications
Badoy stressed that protocol is fundamental in diplomacy, ensuring that leaders “know their place and stay there.” She explained that seating arrangements and order of interaction during international summits are deliberately organized to symbolize respect, hierarchy, and national dignity.
Violating these norms, she said, creates confusion and risks insulting other nations present in such high-level gatherings.
She characterized Marcos’ behavior as subservient and undignified, comparing it to “a slave slobbering to kiss the master’s hand.” According to her, this act undermined the Philippines’ standing and contradicted the President’s earlier criticism of China.
Contradictions in Foreign Policy
The Facebook post also pointed out what Badoy saw as inconsistencies in Marcos’ foreign policy, noting that he had recently called on ASEAN nations to support the United States’ position in its rivalry with China. She further criticized his decision to allow U.S. military presence and potential missile deployment under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) — actions she labeled as aggressive toward Beijing.
Despite this stance, Marcos’ deference toward Xi, she said, made him appear as both a U.S. lackey and a supplicant to China, revealing confusion and weakness in his diplomatic strategy.
Critique of Governance and Team Competence
Beyond the specific incident, Badoy linked the episode to what she described as broader incompetence within the Marcos administration. She claimed that protocol officers, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) failed to properly brief and prepare the President, pointing to a lack of communication strategy and coordination during foreign trips.
Citing the example of former President Rodrigo Duterte, Badoy said Duterte had maintained an impeccable protocol and DFA team, which ensured his administration’s conduct was professional and respectful on the world stage. In contrast, she argued, the Marcos team seemed content with mere photo opportunities and appearances, without substantive diplomatic output.
Public Funds and Accountability
Badoy also raised concerns about public spending, questioning the value of costly international trips that, according to her, produce “tons of shame” instead of tangible benefits for Filipinos. She sarcastically suggested that “a flower vase or door stopper” could have represented the Philippines more effectively than the current leadership.
In sum, Badoy’s post accuses the Marcos administration of:
- Breaching diplomatic protocol and embarrassing the nation;
- Displaying inconsistency in foreign policy between the U.S. and China;
- Failing to coordinate among government agencies responsible for diplomacy and communication; and
- Reflecting broader incompetence and corruption within government leadership.
Loraine Badoy is a former Undersecretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) during the Duterte administration and has been a vocal critic of the Marcos government. Her remarks add to growing online discussions about the Philippines’ conduct in recent international summits and its balancing act between U.S. and China relations.#
