Fil-Chinese traders deny solicitation rumors

A group of Filipino-Chinese businessmen denied yesterday that President Arroyo was soliciting millions of pesos from its members to combat kidnapping.

In a statement, the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) said the rumor circulating through text messages was a patent hoax.

"Such rumor is baseless, malicious and is calculated to drive a wedge between President Arroyo and the Chinese businessmen," said lawyer Jose Ngaw, FFCCCII secretary general.

Last Feb. 5, the group’s officials, including perceived cronies of the previous administration, paid a courtesy call on Mrs. Arroyo to pledge support to her administration.

Ngaw deplored that certain sectors had imputed questionable motives in the courtesy call.

"In political controversies, the Filipino-Chinese organization has avoided any involvement and instead urge its members to concentrate on continuing their trade and other economic activities," the statement said.

"The fact is the Federation has always given full support to the programs and policies of the national government, regardless of who is sitting as President of the Philippines," it added.