Voice of reason

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor CHERYL CRUZ Desk Editor PATRICK PANGILINAN Busines Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

The Philippine Coast Guard’s involvement in the shooting to death of a 65-year-old Taiwanese fisherman in disputed waters has certainly given the Taiwanese people a valid reason to be outraged and demand a full and thorough investigation so the accountable parties can be held responsible and to prevent a similar situation from endangering more Taiwanese and Filipino lives.  

In the absence of diplomatic ties with Taiwan, due to our country’s “One-China” policy, President Benigno Aquino has already sent Amadeo Perez, the chairman of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office and de facto ambassador, to convey his apologies. However, Taiwan officials rejected the message. Aside from that, they have imposed sanctions against the Philippines, banned the entry of Filipino workers, recalled their de facto envoy, imposed a travel ban on the Philippines, and held military exercises in waters near the northern Philippines last week.

There are rumblings that the currently unpopular Taiwanese leaders are acting tough against the Philippines in order to distract their people from the weak performance of their economy. However, they are still within their rights if they want to milk the situation and impose the sanctions as they see fit, whatever their reasons may be. What is disturbing is their highly emotional response to a situation that clearly needs the voice of reason to prevail. Under a more prudent and responsible government and media, the death of Hung Shih-cheng would have been investigated by both countries without innocent Filipinos in Taiwan having been subjected to harassment or even assault, to the point where MECO is advising them all to stay indoors and limit their movements.

Under these circumstances, the best thing the Philippine government can do is to keep lines of communication open while undertaking a swift and credible investigation of the incident, and, if necessary, hold those found responsible accountable. No need for more hysterics or politicization because this issue has seen enough of that already.*