DFA to probe Phl consul in Canada

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday a fact-finding panel would be created to look into allegations against the Philippine consul general in Vancouver.

DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez said the panel would also hear the side of Consul General Jose Ampeso, who was caught on video shouting at a passport applicant in Alberta.

Hernandez said Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario has instructed Philippine ambassador to Canada Leslie Gatan to go to Vancouver to find out about the incident.

Ampeso was ordered to come home to explain his side.

Hernandez said any decision or recommendation would be submitted to Secretary Del Rosario and if there is probable cause, there will be a hearing of the case.

Ampeso said the video, which was posted on YouTube, is not sufficient to establish his guilt. He has since apologized if his action offended anyone.

“The 27-second video showing me talking in a loud voice to a passport applicant, which made some people conclude that I was rude and arrogant, does not tell the whole story,” Ampeso said in a statement.

“The video alone is not sufficient to draw any unreasonable conclusions from, one way or the other; hence, it is unfair and unjust to use it to malign my character,” he added.

Ampeso said he raised his voice against the applicant because “he insulted me and poked fun at being requested to make a donation to the Philippine National Red Cross by offering to give a measly one dollar for this charitable cause.”