Panelo retracts statement on Chinese illegals

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo yesterday recanted his statement that China will retaliate if its nationals working illegally in the Philippines will be deported.

This was after the Chinese embassy denied Panelo’s earlier pronouncement that Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua had informed him over dinner that China would do the same to Filipinos if the Philippines sent back illegal Chinese workers.

“What I was saying is, it was not in reference to the Philippine government. We were discussing academically what a government will do as a natural consequence of what another government is doing,” Panelo clarified.

“Like we were saying, if a government’s nationals are expelled not in accordance with law – meaning to say recklessly – then the natural reaction of another government…will necessarily retaliate and apply a tit-for-tat policy,” he said.

Panelo said the discussion with the Chinese ambassador was “more on academics rather than actuality.” 

“In fact, when we were discussing that… isn’t it I said, he added that ‘I don’t think the Philippines will do that, neither will we do it too,’” Panelo said.

The embassy, in its statement, noted that China respects the Philippines’ laws and regulations on foreign nationals working in the country.

The embassy said it has always been reminding its nationals in the Philippines to observe local laws through consular notices.