Binay finally gets China invite

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay has finally received an invitation to visit China, but not to discuss the Aug. 23 hostage crisis.

Binay will attend the Dec. 12 opening ceremonies of the 2010 Asian Para Games to be held in Guangzhou.

The Chinese government, through Ambassador Liu Jianchao, invited Binay who is also presidential adviser on Overseas Filipino Workers’ Concerns.

In a letter to Binay, Liu said the 2010 Asian Para Games is set to be an event presenting a fabulous chance to the physically challenged people in Asia to showcase their talents.

“The Chinese side would be highly appreciative of your kind consideration and attendance towards the success of the Guangzhou Asian Para Games,” Liu said.

Binay said he believes in the goal of the Para Games and is optimistic Filipino athletes will do well in this competition.

“It is truly inspiring when persons with disabilities show the world that they too can compete in different sports,” Binay said.

This is the first Asian Para Games to be held after the Far East and South Pacific Games (FESPIC Games) was dissolved in 2006.

Compared to the recently concluded Asian Games, the Asian Para Games is expected to be a stepping-stone for Asian athletes who are aiming for the London 2012 Paralympics.

Officials of the Asian Para Games expect that 5,500 athletes from 45 Asian member-countries would participate in this multi-sport competition.

Binay is also set to hold a dialog with the Filipino community in Guangzhou where he is expected to raise the issue of illegal recruitment in China.

He also warned Filipinos not to agree to be used as drug mules by criminal organizations.

“Let us help each other. I am deeply saddened that most of the time the victims are the ones not pushing through in filing charges against illegal recruiters. The government and the overseas Filipino workers have to join together in fighting illegal recruitment,” Binay said.