Aquino: No need to justify PHL absence at Nobel rites

The Philippine government does not need to justify to the United States (US) or to any country why it did not send a representative to the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Norway last week, President Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III said on Monday. In an ambush interview with Palace reporters, Aquino said the Philippine government's move to skip the the Nobel ceremony was for the protection of the interests of Filipinos. Chinese dissident and human rights activist Liu Xiaobao was honored in the ceremony held in Oslo, Norway on December 10. "We have immediate problems, among them all those incarcerated in China," Aquino said. "We've had strained relations because of the [August 23 hostage-taking] incident. There are so many other things, so my interest has to be first with the Filipinos," he added. Aquino will be meeting with US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas Jr. sometime this week upon the US's request. Aquino said he does not have to explain the Philippine government's decision to the US or other countries. "I don't think it behooves the Philippines to explain to any other country its actions. We are a sovereign country," said the president. "I think nobody will begrudge me kung secondary interest [ang] any other nationality. I did swear an oath to defend and to safeugard all Filipinos everywhere. Inuna ko yung Pilipino. Siguro kung kasalanan yun uulit-uulitin ko yung kasalanan na yun," he added. (I put the Filipino first. If that is a sin, I will commit that sin over and over again) The president said his meeting with Thomas will cover a "wide range of topics." Aquino said a Philippine government official— whom he did not name —texted him saying that the US might cancel some of their grants to the Philippines because of the country's decision to skip the rites. However, Aquino said another Philippine government official said the US embassy is still verifying whether any US official indeed made such a pronouncement. Pleased with government's decision Meanwhile, the Chinese government has earlier said it was pleased with the Philippines' decision not to attend the Nobel ceremony. Chinese ambassador to the Philippines Liu Jianchao said, "I appreciate the understanding shown by the Philippine government on the Chinese people and the Chinese government (in boycotting the Nobel peace prize award)." Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, however, said the Philippines' absence at the Nobel award rites should not be assumed as "taking sides with China." Western nations are calling for the lifting of the jail term imposed on the Chinese dissident who could not attend the rites in Oslo. Liu has been in jail for more than 11 years now. "Our foreign policy has always been consistent, we're friends to all and enemies to no one," said Romulo. He added that the Philippines remains "clear and consistent on its fight for human rights" as shown by its successful campaign in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, another Nobel peace laureate and a widely-acclaimed symbol of democratic opposition in Myanmar. Aside from the Philippines, 17 other countries did not attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. These were China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Colombia, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iraq , Iran, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Venezuela, Egypt, Sudan, Ukraine, Cuba and Morocco. Serbia earlier declined the invitation but later said it would attend the ceremony after facing criticism from the European Union and human rights groups. Criticisms from human rights groups The Philippine government's decision not to send Philippine Ambassador to Norway Elizabeth Buensuceso to the Nobel rites had been viewed by some quarters as an indication that the Philippines is siding with China, which has expressed displeasure over the awarding of the coveted prize to Liu Xiaobao. Human rights groups criticized the decision of the Philippine government, an American ally, as the country takes pride in having one of the most robust democracies in Asia. Aquino also brushed aside human rights' groups criticisms, saying, "It's not their call to make the decision. It's my call." – VVP, GMANews.TV