Filipino-Chinese group denounces illegal acts of 'few errant'Chinoys

The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), headed by business tycoon Lucio Tan, denounced in a statement yesterday the criminal activities of a "few errant members" of the Filipino-Chinese community.

But the federation urged the "vast and overwhelming majority of peace-loving and law-abiding" Filipino-Chinese or Chinoys, to "go the extra mile" to further contribute to nation-building.

Lawyer Jose Ngaw, FFCCCII secretary-general, said the over 400 members of the federation held a dialogue recently to correct negative public perception about Chinoys that some media reports might have generated.

"We lament that a few errant members of the community have, by their reprehensible conduct and questionable activities, unfairly besmirched the generally good reputation" of the Filipino-Chinese community, Ngaw said in the statement.

He said the Filipino-Chinese community painstakingly built this good reputation over the years through "industry and hard work, respect for civil authority, genuine integration and concern for our Filipino brethren."

Ngaw said the federation "denounces" these "few errant" Chinoys for committing "acts of economic sabotage, including smuggling, drug trafficking and illegal migration as well as their open and active role in spreading the culture of gambling."

The federation warned them "to mend their ways or face ostracism in their community, repudiation and denunciation before lawful authorities."

The FFCCCII is the umbrella organization of 53 Filipino-Chinese groups representing various sectors like business, education, media, civic action, charity and community services and volunteer fire brigades.