A MALACAÑANG official on Monday expressed understanding on the non-appearance of several Chinese personalities in their scheduled functions in the Philippines.
Two Chinese recipients of Ramon Magsaysay awards Pan Yue and Fu Qiping informed the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of their non-attendance to the event, honoring humanitarian works of outstanding citizens in Asia.
Their absences have been perceived as aftermath of the bloody hostage crisis involving several Hong Kong nationals last August 23.
"We respect the sensitivities of the Chinese," said Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda.
"We understand that we are now in a situation wherein they are demanding some measure of justice. So hanggang ganun lang kami. Rinerespeto po namin ang kanilang desisyon," he added.
President Benigno Aquino III is set to lead the presentation of awards to the awardees.
But Chinese nationals expressed disappointment of the way Aquino handled the crisis that left eight of its citizens dead.
Even Chinese ambassador Liu Jianchao still showed discontent over the incident.
"The President just went through his message. We understand the sensitivities of the Chinese ambassador and we respect it," said Lacierda when asked for comment.
The administration pledged for a swift investigation into the case so that high-level delegation would be able to present the full fact-finding report to both Chinese and Hong Kong government.
Lacierda also said Presidential Development and Strategic Planning Secretary Ricky Carandang will start media dialogue on Wednesday discussing parameters on covering hostage crisis situation. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)