Solons urge DFA to protest over HK columnist's article on RP

MANILA, Philippines - Two lawmakers on Monday urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to lodge a formal protest before Hong Kong authorities over a columnist's depiction of the Philippines as "a nation of servants."

In a telephone interview with GMANews.TV, Foreign Affairs committee chair Cebu City Rep. Antonio Cuenco said he will ask DFA Secretary Alberto Romulo to lodge a protest after columnist Chip Tsao described the Philippines as a "nation of servants" in his opinion piece "The War At Home" which appeared in the March 27 edition of the widely-circulated HK Magazine.

"That comment is uncalled for, it's atrocious. We should protest vigorously against this slur against Filipino workers in Hong Kong," Cuenco said.

Likewise, senior deputy minority leader and Parañaque City Rep. Roilo Golez said the DFA should lodge a formal protest over the incident.

In a text message to reporters, Golez also proposed an, at least, six-month boycott against Hong Kong by not traveling to the place and not purchasing its products.

"If Filipinos stop going to Hong Kong, their economy would collapse. I propose a six-month, nay a one-year boycott of Hong Kong and let's see what happens to their shops and hotels. We can do without going to HK and HK products," Golez said.

The lawmaker also slammed Tsao by saying "he does not know there are many Hong Kong and multinational companies where key management positions are held by Filipinos."

In his article, Tsao depicted the Philippines as a "nation of servants" not worthy of claiming the Spratlys from China, which employs hundreds of thousands of Filipino domestic helpers on very low wages.

Earlier on Monday, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde called the article "reprehensible," but said Malacañang will still look into the issue to decide on its response. - Johanna Camille Sisante, GMANews.TV

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