US envoy’s ‘sex tour’ remarks a ‘closed case’—Palace

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda. Inquirer file photo

MANILA, Philippines – Malacanang now considers “a closed case” the controversy caused by US Ambassador Harry Thomas’ remarks that 4 out of 10 male tourists come to the Philippines to engage in sex tours.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda made the remarks after Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario disclosed that the ambassador has expressed his regret over the statement with an admission that it was without sufficient basis.

“We consider this a closed case but our fight against trafficking continues. We will continue to prosecute those who would take advantage of our people and our young ones,” Lacierda said on radio.

“I think the statement of ambassador shows clearly that he was not able to back it up the statistics. Hence, he has apologized to Secretary del Rosario and to our government,” he added.