Malacañang bewails senators' overreaction on Hanjin mishap issue

Malacañang is worried about the apparent overreaction of some senators investigating the successive fatal accidents in the Hanjin shipyard at the Subic Bay Freeport, saying calls for the closure of the $2-billion Korean facility could drive away foreign investments and cause more job losses.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the Palace is not trying to interfere in the affairs of the Senate but any government investigation should also treat investors “fairly.”

He cautioned that Sen. Jinggoy Estrada’s call for Hanjin’s closure could be detrimental to the economy, noting that Korean Ambassador Choi Joong-kyung had also issued a statement on the matter.

“We are concerned about the possible negative repercussions (of Hanjin’s closure). We are not saying this should not be investigated,” Remonde said.

“We are looking at the issue in the context of attracting foreign investment because they are important,” he said.

“We should treat foreign investors fairly. This is of course not to allow them to disregard our laws, but just allow them due process. We are just appealing that we should handle this thing with care,” he added.

Remonde warned that the global economic crisis makes foreign direct investments hard to come by and competition for them much more intense.

“Investments drive our growth and help us cope with the global economic crisis,” he said.

Remonde, however, said authorities will not compromise rules and regulations on safety in the workplace.

Meanwhile, police have filed a case of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple physical injuries against a driver of a Hanjin service bus which figured in a road accident in Subic, Zambales the other day, leaving 24 shipyard workers injured.

Driver Jericho Liego, 29, gave himself up to Subic Mayor Jeffrey Khonghun after the mishap, which sent the service bus falling into a six-meter deep ravine.

Liego denied overtaking other vehicles on the road, saying one of the tires burst, sending the bus crashing into the road barrier and plunging into the ravine. – With Ric Sapnu and Bebot Sison Jr.