There isn’t any secret to the US proposal for the Philippine authorities to permit the entry and short-term housing of nationals from Afghanistan, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez stated on Wednesday.
Romualdez made the remark after Senator Imee Marcos referred to as for a Senate probe into the matter.
“It’s a good thing that Sen. Imee is calling for an inquiry because there is no secret about this,” Romualdez stated in a telephone interview with GMA News Online, including {that a} probe would guarantee transparency and supply correct particulars on the proposed association with Washington.
Romualdez, a cousin of Senator Marcos, additionally clarified that the US proposal “is being studied carefully” and that “all security angles are being reviewed.”
“Once this has been completely reviewed it will be brought up for approval,” he stated. “I welcome Sen. Imee’s call so that it can be openly discussed. This is not a secret agreement with the United States.”
Citing info from sources, Marcos stated the overseas nationals, who’re stated to be US supporters, can be transported straight into the Philippines from Afghanistan.
Marcos expressed considerations that agreeing to the US request will open the Philippines to “substantial risk” from “individuals who pose a threat to national security and public safety.”
Romualdez explained that under the US request, Afghan nationals, who will be arriving in batches, will be staying temporarily in the country until such time their special immigrant visas are issued.
“They are not going to live here. This is not even a refugee issue, this is a processing issue,” Romualdez stated. “It’s more of a legal matter and if we can do that.”
The US first made the request in October, Romualdez stated as he debunked what he referred to as “malicious” studies saying he’s strongly pushing for the US request regardless of objections from different authorities businesses, such because the Department of Foreign Affairs.
As envoy, Romualdez stated it’s his obligation to relay communications and requests from the host authorities.
Romualdez stated President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as chief architect of Foreign Policy, would be the one to determine on the matter as soon as the evaluation course of by the Presidential Management Staff and different involved authorities businesses is accomplished.
Romualdez additionally stated the proposal is being studied rigorously and all safety particulars are being checked out.
Citing the Philippines’ historic custom of offering sanctuary to refugees prior to now, Romualdez stated the US sees the nation as a spot “they can trust and will do such humanitarian act” of permitting them to course of all of those individuals who labored with the US authorities in Afghanistan.
“These people and their families might be in danger in act of reprisal,” he stated. “And the most logical place is a trusted ally like the Philippines.” —KG, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
