MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine government is preparing for the expected backlash resulting from the anger of the Taiwanese government over the Philippines’ refusal to apologize for the deportation of 14 Taiwanese to mainland China. Reports said that Taiwan has already adopted stricter application requirements for Filipinos desiring to work in Taiwan.
“We are preparing for the worst (through a contingency) that would involve interagency efforts,” Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said.
“We are also tapping business communities and private sectors so that they can help us mitigate the effects,” she added.
De Lima reiterated that the Philippine government would not apologize for the deportation of the Taiwan nationals to China instead of to Taiwan.
“There is no reason for us to apologize,” De Lima said.
The government has already sent a special envoy, former senator Manuel Roxas, to explain to the Taiwanese government the reason for deporting its nationals to China.
The 14 Taiwanese were arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation in raids in Makati, Paranaque, Muntinlupa and Quezon City last year. They allegedly victimized residents of the Chinese mainland in a modus operandi using the Internet and other telecommunications devices to access their victims and exact money from them. The NBI said the group netted around US$20.6-million.
Tetch Torres, Phil. Daily Inquirer
