Binay off to China, Hong Kong when Noynoy returns

MANILA, Philippines - The delegation of Vice President Jejomar Binay to China will have to wait for President Aquino’s return before embarking on its trip to personally hand over to Chinese authorities a copy of the report on the Aug. 23 hostage incident.

In an interview with Palace reporters in Malacañang where he administered oaths to several appointees, the former Makati City mayor said they are still awaiting instructions from the President, especially since the report is undergoing review. The incident investigation and review committee led by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima prepared the report.

Binay also stressed that an appointment with the Chinese government is necessary before they can make the trip.

“Let’s wait for final instructions from the President. Of course we need to make an appointment to deliver the report. We cannot just go there without an appointment,” he said.

Binay’s delegation would include Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, who is still with Mr. Aquino in the US. He clarified they would also want the report to be finalized first before the Chinese government gets its official copy.

He noted that they might not be able to get an appointment between Oct. 1 and 8 because there would be a big cultural event in China during the period. Oct. 1 is China’s National day.

The IIRC has submitted its report to Mr. Aquino, who, in turn, referred it to Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Eduardo de Mesa for further review.

When sought for his opinion on the purported dissatisfaction of China and Hong Kong over the results of the investigation, Binay pointed out that this was expected.

“There is no such thing as 100 percent satisfaction. I have expected both praise and criticism for the report – that’s how life goes. Even in projects, there is always a margin of error. It’s natural,” he said.

“What’s important is that emotions have somehow subsided and that the Philippine government has done its best to repair diplomatic relations,” he said.

“This is a criminal case and not political so the good bilateral relations between the Philippines and China have not been affected much,” he said.