MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Monday said a lawmaker’s visit to
Hong Kong to support the pro-democracy protests would not jeopardize
the country’s relationship with China.
“Based on reports, Representative (Walden) Bello stated that his
presence before the Hong Kong protesters was done by him in his personal
capacity and as an ‘ordinary citizen,’” Communications Secretary
Herminio Coloma Jr. told media.
“Such being the case, it cannot be viewed as interfering in the internal affairs of China,” he explained.
Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, on the other hand, said
Malacañang is focused on the safety of Filipinos working and living in
Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China.
The Akbayan representative and administration ally on Saturday went
to Hong Kong to express support for the massive rallies being held in
the city’s government center.
Bello spoke before the crowd and shared the Philippines’ experience
during the Edsa people power in 1986, which led to the downfall of the
Marcos dictatorship.
Hong Kong protesters have been calling for “full democracy” or the
right to nominate and directly elect the head of their government
instead of allowing China to screen candidates.
The diplomatic relationship between the Philippines and China has
been strained amid territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
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Hong Kong to support the pro-democracy protests would not jeopardize
the country’s relationship with China.
“Based on reports, Representative (Walden) Bello stated that his
presence before the Hong Kong protesters was done by him in his personal
capacity and as an ‘ordinary citizen,’” Communications Secretary
Herminio Coloma Jr. told media.
“Such being the case, it cannot be viewed as interfering in the internal affairs of China,” he explained.
Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, on the other hand, said
Malacañang is focused on the safety of Filipinos working and living in
Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China.
The Akbayan representative and administration ally on Saturday went
to Hong Kong to express support for the massive rallies being held in
the city’s government center.
Bello spoke before the crowd and shared the Philippines’ experience
during the Edsa people power in 1986, which led to the downfall of the
Marcos dictatorship.
Hong Kong protesters have been calling for “full democracy” or the
right to nominate and directly elect the head of their government
instead of allowing China to screen candidates.
The diplomatic relationship between the Philippines and China has
been strained amid territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
RELATED STORIES
PH lawmaker to protesters: Be strong, Hong Kong
Hong Kong stocks flat at open
Hong Kong rallies: Yellow vs blue ribbons
More Stories
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