Palace: No need for personal apology from US envoy

There is no more need for US Ambassador to Manila Harry Thomas Jr. to personally apologize to President Benigno Aquino III over his statement that 40 percent of male tourists come to the Philippines for sex tourism, Malacañang said Sunday. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda maintained the controversy over Thomas’ statement is a closed case, and should not rock Philippine-US relations. “Sa tingin natin sapat na yan. Si Ambassador Thomas nagpadala ng text kay Secretary Del Rosario dahil si Secretary Del Rosario nasa Hanoi ngayon. We believe that is sufficient and a recognition of an error on their part," he said on government-run dzRB radio when asked if Thomas has to personally apologize to Aquino. He also said the controversy is not a hindrance to Philippine-US ties, adding the Palace even thanks Thomas for his “statement of regret." “We in fact thank the ambassador for his statement of regret and apology nang nalaman niya hindi niya ma-back up ang statement," Lacierda said. On the other hand, he said the Philippines will continue to prosecute those behind human trafficking, especially involving children. Thomas, who made the claim of 40 percent of visitors engaging in sex tourism at a forum last month, said he should not have issued such statements without supporting data. Thomas’ claims had prompted Malacañang and lawmakers to challenge the data on sex tourism that he cited. They said he should back up his statement with solid proof. But the American envoy initially said he would not apologize over his remark about prostitution in the country. — KBK, GMA News