Government ready to appease Taiwan

MANILA, Philippines - The government is prepared to undertake diplomatic measures to appease Taiwan, and is confident that its explanation on the deportation of 14 Taiwanese to China will be accepted.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the government would also implement mitigating measures to address the concerns of Filipino workers in Taiwan affected by the issue.

Taiwan recalled its de facto ambassador to the Philippines, Donald Lee, following what it considered an “inhumane” deportation of its “citizens” to China.

Taiwan also extended the screening process for Filipino workers from 12 days to four months, and withdrew the waiver of visa application to Taiwan for Filipinos holding visas to the United States, Japan and European Union member countries.

President Aquino earlier said an emissary would be dispatched to Taiwan to explain the deportation, but a representative has not been appointed yet. 

The Department of Justice said it is up to China and Taiwan to resolve the issue involving their citizens and there is no need for Manila to apologize over the incident.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said it must be explained to Taiwan that the deportation was done primarily “in our national interest.”

“We have to protect our people from activities of these undesirable aliens who have been making our country their haven,” she said.

De Lima also said the government will comply with the order of the Court of Appeals to explain why it proceeded with the deportation while the habeas corpus petition of the Taiwanese was being heard.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said the government should immediately initiate high-level dialogues with Taiwan to resolve the misunderstanding.

He said he was assured by the Labor department that it is looking after Filipino workers in Taiwan. – With Marvin Sy