MANILA- The Department of Foreign Affairs returned to its former chief, Albert Del Rosario, his P500,000 donation for the 22 fishermen abandoned near Recto (Reed) Bank after their boat was sunk by a Chinese ship.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said on Twitter that he had Del Rosario's donation returned since the DFA "cannot dispense donations."

"I have to return the P500,000 check donation or I shall be compelled to turn it over to Treasury. DFA cannot dispense donations. I certainly won't turn it over to another department; that's malversation. So with florid expressions of gratitude I had it returned to Del Rosario," Locsin said.

• Ex-DFA chief Del Rosario donates P500,000 to Reed Bank fishermen

Del Rosario, the wealthiest member of the previous administration's Cabinet, told ABS-CBN News that he made the donation "to manifest that we truly care for them (fishermen) and empathize with what has happened." He handed the donation to the DFA last Wednesday.

"May the good Lord hold them close to his bosom," he said in a text message.

Twenty-two Filipino fishermen were abandoned by a Chinese crew that hit their boat on June 9, prompting the Philippines to file a diplomatic protest. They were rescued by a Vietnamese vessel.

Manila and Beijing have agreed to conduct a joint investigation on the incident as critics continue to cast doubts on the would-be results.