With the intention to avoid further conflict with China, the Philippine government has decided to forego in this year’s Nobel Prize awarding ceremonies in Norway, which honored Chinese democracy activist Lu Xiabao the Nobel Peace Prize for his long and non-violent struggle for fundamental human rights in his country.
The Philippines, known to be one of the frontrunners of democracy in Asia, skipped the Nobel ceremony last Dec. 10 in Oslo with hopes to redeem itself from past incidents like the botched Quirino Grandstand hostage incident that killed eight Hong Kong tourists which stained the country’s relationship with China.
Explaining his decision in an interview with The Philippine Star last Dec. 14, Philippine President Benigno Aquino III stressed that aside from the hostage incident, his main concern now is how the government could spare the lives of the five Filipinos who are currently facing death sentences in China over allegations of drug trafficking.
“I think nobody will begrudge me if any other nationality would only be a secondary interest. I did swear under oath to defend and safeguard all Filipinos everywhere. it will always be a priority,” Mr. Aquino said.
Meanwhile, in a separate interview with the Manila Times last Dec. 12, Senator Joker Arroyo said that the country should respect President Aquino’s decision to keep the Philippine representative from attending the awarding ceremonies to spare the incarcerated Filipinos in China.
A day before the awarding ceremony, it was reported by that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesman Eduardo Malaya disclosed that Elizabeth Buencuceso, Manila’s ambassador to Norway, cannot attend the awarding ceremony due to a “scheduling conflict.”
A government official who wished to be anonymous, however, told that it the skip was indeed meant to avoid further confrontations from China. Human Rights Watch, an international organization that protects human rights, however, did not find the move impressive.
Human Rights Watch director in Asia, Elaine Pearson, said that the organization was “shocked” to see the Philippine government “turned its back on Liu Xiaobo’s non-violent struggle for free expression in China,” considering that the country is greatly known for upholding democratic values.
Alberto Romulo, Philippine Foreign Secretary, meanwhile said that the move should not be interpreted as “taking sides with China,” and assured the public that the government is “still clear and consistent” in fighting for human rights.
It was reported that President Aquino recently sent a letter to the Chinese Government imploring pardon for the five Filipinos faced with death sentence verdict.
Anyone can choose liberty and enjoy free will regardless of the consequences it entails; but not everyone can be granted redemption. A true leader is recognized by using his own free will to decide not only for his credit, but also for the redemption of his people.
(www.asianjournal.com)
(NYNJ Dec 17-23, 2010 Sec A. p.6)
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