Diplomats worried over picket at DFA

Foreign diplomats expressed concern over prolonged demonstrations at the Department of Foreign Affairs, saying these were hampering normal operations of the DFA.

DFA Undersecretary Lauro Baja Jr. disclosed he received calls from several ambassadors asking why the officials weren't doing anything to discourage the continued stay of the protesters in front of the DFA building on Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.

Members of the militant group Migrante International have been camping there since Wednesday to denounce the alleged ineptitude of the Estrada administration and the DFA in addressing the concerns of overseas Filipino workers -- the so-called modern-day heroes.

Migrante plans to stay in front of the DFA building up to Holy Wednesday as their form of "Calvary" or sacrifice for the OFWs.

Migrante members are demanding the resignation of President Estrada, DFA Secretary Domingo Siazon Jr. and DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Benjamin Domingo for Domingo's opening of a separate interest account for Gulf War compensation funds in the Philippine National Bank.

This, even after Siazon and Domingo assured OCWs that principal Gulf War funds were not affected by the interest account under the name of the Philippine Claims and Compensation Committee with Domingo as sole signatory.

Last Friday, DFA security personnel dismantled makeshift dwellings built by the protesters in front of the DFA building and tore their banners and placards. They failed to disperse them, however.

"The rallies are not doing the department any good because they affect the day-to-day activities here," Baja said.

The picket has been causing traffic snarls on the boulevard and nearby streets, blocking the smooth entry and exit of vehicles going to and from the DFA.

He explained this would be enough legal ground to drive away the protesters since the DFA is considered a high security area, where many foreign dignitaries go.

Migrante leader Leo Legaspi, however, claimed Acting Secretary Rora Navarro-Tolentino allowed them to camp out and even asked them to furnish her office the list of Gulf War claimants who had not yet received their compensation.