MANILA, Feb. 6 (PNA) — Achieving understanding and closure, and not retaliation, will be the guiding principle of the Philippine government in dealing with the sanctions imposed recently by Hong Kong, Malacañang said Thursday.
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said suggestions to retaliate for Hong Kong’s revocation of visa-free privileges for holders of official Philippine passports may be counter-productive.
“In situations where there is a difference of opinion, what will bring the parties closer to an understanding and what would lessen trust and understanding? Will retaliatory options bring us closer or move us far away from an understanding?” Coloma said in Filipino at a media briefing.
“Our focus is to reach an understanding and help the affected families. That is our primary concern,” he added.
Coloma said both sides are still continuing to engage each other through “continuing dialogues and conversations that hopefully would lead to achieving mutually satisfactory results and closure.”
“All I can say is that we are purposively pursuing avenues for the possible attainment of closure on this matter. Our focus is on being able to provide direct support to the affected families, which is part of the framework for reaching and understanding,” he said.
In the meantime, he said that in the face of all recent developments, the Philippine government “remains determined” to pursue the attainment of a mutual agreement.
Such a path will be the “most beneficial for our people especially Filipinos working and residing in Hong Kong,” he added.
Coloma also reassured Filipinos in Hong Kong the government is prepared to help them and ensure their rights, including those of ease of travel and employment opportunities.
“Kaya sinasabi natin naghahanda naman ang ating pamahalaan ng karampatang hakbang para tiyakin ang kapakanan ng ating mamamayan ay mapangalagaan (The government is preparing the proper steps to uphold the welfare of Filipinos),” he said.
“Hindi natin makokontrol ang action ng external parties (We cannot control the actions of external parties). We can only control our response to these issues,” he added. (source: Philippine News Agency)
