MANILA - The Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS) on Tuesday defended the airing of a radio show promoting Chinese culture and traditions, saying it does not espouse any political view or cause as it drew heavy criticism online.

In a statement, PBS said the hour-long Wow China segment discusses the traditions, culture and history of both China and the Philippines in a light and informative matter.

"Co-hosted by a PBS anchor and broadcast in Filipino, the show features the traditions, culture, and history of both the Philippines and China; as well as the differences and similarities between the two countries. Its format is light, informative, and entertaining; in no way whatsoever does it espouse or promote a particular political view or cause," it said.

PBS also said the show is a product of multiple bilateral media and communications agreements between China and the Philippines, with the goal of enhancing cultural relations and information exchange, as well as strengthening the country's technical capability in broadcast and publishing.

The state radio network likewise said the Philippines has similar media and communications agreements with other countries like the United Kingdom and Thailand.

"Apart from China, PBS has also worked with other countries, and extended airtime as well, to air their news, socio-cultural, and tourism content - for the educational benefit of Filipinos. These include agreements with the United Kingdom’s BBC and Thailand’s Sawasdee. It is also likewise noteworthy to note that PBS-BBS is in cooperation with the Voice of America (USA)," PBS said.

Recognizing the sentiments of the public, PBS assured that it would continue to disseminate relevant news and information, especially during this time of the coronavirus pandemic.

"We also assure the public that contrary to what is being claimed by detractors, the Philippine Broadcasting Service has been at the forefront of disseminating relevant news and information to and from our citizens across the archipelago - particularly during this time of crisis. We have been working hand-in-hand with the different agencies and units of the government to ensure that communication with the Filipino people is constant and consistent," it said.

"Now, more than ever, PBS remains steadfast and true to its mandate of being the broadcast arm of the government of the Republic of the Philippines and its people," PBS added.

The May 10 episode of Wow China, which was posted on the Facebook pages of both Radyo Pilipinas and Wow China, generated online buzz after some questioned the airing of the show amid the coronavirus disease pandemic.

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The show came even as China and the Philippines remained locked in a territorial dispute over the South China Sea, with Manila recently lodging a diplomatic protest against Beijing's provocative actions in the disputed waters.

China has ignored a July 2016 ruling of a United Nations tribunal invalidating its expansive claims in the South China, and instead ramped up island-building and other expansion activities.

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According to PBS, Wow China has been airing Saturday and Sunday afternoons on Radyo Pilipinas since 2018.

Radyo Pilipinas is the flagship AM radio station of PBS, which is under the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO).

The segment is a collaboration between PBS and China Radio International, China’s state-owned international radio broadcaster.