Lessons from Taiwan incident: minimize inflammatory remarks

Update:
Taiwanese Foreign Minister David Lin just announced the lifting of the ban on hiring of Filipino workers for Taiwan, MECO Representative Antonio Basilio said.

One lesson from the unfortunate May 9 incident in Balintang Channel that led to a strain in the otherwise robust relations with Taiwan is for government spokespersons to be careful with their statements.

They should learn to moderate their arrogance and avoid words that inflame the public. There’s no room for uncalled- for side remarks in a tense situation with another country. This is particularly true with Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda.

There was one press briefing when Lacierda was asked about remarks by commentators that Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou was using the Balintang channel shooting to beef up his dwindling popularity. Lacierda noted the commentators’ analysis of the situation in Taiwan then. But he did not stop there. He added something like, “What I know is that our President is enjoying high popularity.”

What has Aquino’s popularity got to do with the tense situation between Manila and Taipei at that time?
Government spokesperson should take lessons from diplomats on how to deal with other countries especially when human lives have been lost.

Another important lesson is to educate PCG personnel, as well as that of other agencies including members of the military, on the issues on maritime boundaries. They should take to heart the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

A mistake like what happened in Balintang Channel can cause more problems that involve other lives and the country’s economy.As a result of the killing of 65-year old fisherman Hung Shih-cheng, Taiwan suspended the hiring of workers from the Philippines. Every OFW has at least six members of the family dependent on his or her earnings.

A travel alert issued by Taipei resulted in the reduction of tourists from Taiwan which adversely affected tourism- related businesses.

The release Wednesday by the National Bureau of Investigation of the results of their investigation has started the process of normalizing relations with Taiwan.

NBI recommended the filing of homicide charges against commanding officer Arnold de la Cruz, Petty Officer 2 Richard Fernandez Corpuz, Seaman 2nd Class Nicky Reynold Aurello, and Seamen 1st Class Edrando Quiapo Aguila, Mhelvin Bendo, Andy Gibb Ronario Golfo, Sunny Galang Masangcay, and Henry Baco Solomon.

De la Cruz and Bendo are also facing charges of obstruction of justice along with SN1 Marvin Ramirez and LTJG Martin Bernabe for tampering with evidence to the NBI, including “spliced” video footage.

Yesterday, Manila Economic and Cultural Office chairman Amadeo Perez flew to Taiwan to convey the President’s apology to the family of Hung. The apology was the one that was supposed to have been delivered by Perez last May 15 but was not done because of high emotions at that time.

After an early evening meeting with Foreign Minister David Lin, Manila Economic and Cultural Office Representative Antonio Basilio said Lin announced the lifting of sanctions.

It is hoped that lessons learned from this unfortunate incident will make Philippine-Taiwan relations deeper and richer.

Related links:

The Balintang Channel Incident report by the NBI:http://www.gov.ph/2013/08/07/balintang-channel-incident-report/