President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. discusses with members of the media in Pampanga the issues on the hosting of Afghanistan refugees in the country on Monday, July 17, 2023. (Jean Mangaluz / INQUIRER.net)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday said that the government is still consulting the United States (US) on whether or not to host Afghanistan refugees.
“We have made some progress but there’s still some major obstacles to us being able to do it, but we continue to consult with our friends in the US,” said Marcos in an ambush interview.
The President, however, did not specify what these obstacles were.
Marcos said they are still looking into the possible problems that the proposal may have and possible solutions.
Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez had previously said that the government could decide around mid-July on the issue of hosting Afghan nationals.
The President, however, said that the government is not rushing the decision.
“Well, we have not given ourselves a deadline. What we are talking about is that we’re trying to see what are the problems, what are the issues arising and so doing we are trying to find ways to remedy those issues that we feel are something that we have to deal with,” said the President.
The Philippines had been asked if it could serve as the transition area for Afghan nationals displaced by their homeland’s conflict before they are resettled in the US.
Marcos previously said that this arrangement posed logistical and security issues.
“I would like to manifest the Pilipino instinct of hospitality and as you know many times have happened that there have been situations around the world and may nagkakarefugee, hindi tinatatnggap. Kahit saan tayo tinatanggap natin, hindi tayo kinakalimutan ng mga tinulungan natin. Ganyan talaga ang ugali ng Pinoy,” said the President.
(I would like to manifest the Pilipino instinct of hospitality, and as you know, many times have happened that there have been situations around the world where there are refugees, but they are not accepted. We accept from anywhere. We are not forgotten by those we help. That is the attitude of the Filipinio..)
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