PNoy: No Apology to HK

As Hong Kong’s sanction took effect Wednesday, President Benigno Aquino III maintains his stand not to give a public apology over the 2010 hostage crisis in Manila.

Gma News Online reported the president’s interview with the New York Times where Aquino said he had no plans to apologize as it would create a legal liability.

Aquino also said in the same interview that China failed to pay compensation to the families of Filipinos who had died in episodes in China.

President Aquino last year said the Philippine government cannot apologize to Hong Kong for the actions of a single individual.

Hong Kong demanded an apology after eight Hong Kong tourist were killed after a dismissed policeman held hostage a busload of tourist at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila in 2010.

Firm on its stand not to give an apology as requested by the families of the victims of the tragedy, Hong Kong currently revoked its visa-free travel against Philippine officials and Diplomats that include PNoy himself.

Presidential Communications secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., during the New York Times interview on Tuesday, said the president also explained in the interview that there is no liability for the Philippine government when it comes to particular incidents against foreign nationals. He cited attacks against Filipinos in China, Gma News Online reported.

Coloma said they are ready for any possible consequences that might arise from the sanction, adding that the Philippine government will continue to make a stand to protect the welfare of every Filipino in Hong Kong.

He assured Filipinos residing and working in Hong Kong not worry for any backlash from the diplomatic row.

Financial Aid to Families

Meanwhile, the Philippine government offered more financial aid to the families of eight Hong Kong tourists who had died in the tragic 2010 hostage crisis, said Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez in a press briefing on Wednesday.

“If Hong Kong will signify acceptance of such gestures, the Philippines is willing to convey these gestures for the benefit of the affected families as soon as possible,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez also called on Hong Kong authorities “to be sober and to reflect rationally on this issue.”

He also said the Philippine government “has done everything possible to resolve the issue and reach agreement.”

Source: Gma News Online