Noy: We received very insulting letter from Hong Kong

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino disclosed yesterday that the Philippine government received a scathing letter from the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong two days after the Aug. 23 hostage crisis that led to the death of eight Hong Kong tourists.

However, he downplayed the relevance of the letter, which he unwittingly mentioned during a panel interview of three TV networks – ABS-CBN 2, GMA-7 and ABC-5 – at Malacañang yesterday afternoon.

“We are very conscious to repair our relations. There was a letter from HK which was very insulting but we did not respond,” Mr. Aquino said. “We didn’t like it, but we decided not to fight back.”

But while he refused to divulge its contents, the President said “we were being told on what we’re supposed to do, and in minute detail.” 

Mr. Aquino nonetheless attributed such attitude to “differences in culture,” which, according to him, would not have been so if written by Filipinos. The letter was sent despite the fact that he already apologized to Hong Kong and the China government, and after he had already discussed the issue with Hong Kong-SAR chief executive Donald Tsang, who had called up Malacañang at the height of the hostage crisis.

“Perhaps we should look at it also as a form of request from their end. But perhaps there are nuances as far as our cultures are concerned. The style would have been different if it was a Filipino who wrote it,” he stressed.

“We didn’t expect the call of Mr. Tsang. My aide was not sure if it was really him. Anyway, after 15-20 minutes we made efforts to contact him and we managed to talk,” Mr. Aquino said, settling the diplomatic blunder issue once and for all. 

“I did apologize to China and I don’t think it does us any good to apologize at every turn. There are nuances in dealing with China and it would be best if we are discreet about it,” he added. 

Defending his government further, the President pointed out that it is improper for any head of state to take phone calls, and ignore diplomatic channels.

“I don’t think all calls should be answered,” he said.

As example, Mr. Aquino stressed that an incumbent Philippine governor cannot just ring up US President Barack Obama or China leader Hu Jintao. He said such calls should be mde through diplomatic channels.

Whatever the “strongly-worded” HK letter contained, Mr. Aquino is thankful that Mr. Liu Jianchao is China’s ambassador to the Philippines.

“We’re fortunate that Ambassador Liu has been assigned to our country,” he said, adding that the envoy is very understanding.

A delegation led by Vice President Jejomar Binay will be leaving for China soon to deliver the Philippines’ letter of apology, attached to the report of the incident investigation and review committee, according to the President.

Also yesterday, Mr. Aquino clarified reports that his government had not been in contact with any official of the Chinese embassy at the height of the crisis. “We were coordinating with the number two guy in the embassy (deputy chief of mission Bai Tian).”

“They might question this again. Anyway, the ambassador was on leave, so that was the normal protocol (to deal with the second highest official),” he explained.