It is only proper for the Philippines to apologize for its brief diplomatic dispute with Kuwait over the rescue operation of distressed Filipino workers, Senate President Koko Pimentel said yesterday.
Pimentel said the country has earned the respect of the Kuwait in apologizing for the conflict caused by the Philippine Embassy’s rescue of abused domestic helpers. “Actually we gained, I think, the respect and the friendship of Kuwait more. And maybe some other countries na at least, marunong din palang magpakumbaba, humingi ng paumanhin,” Pimentel said.
The Senate chief said the government “would have been insulted also” if Kuwait had enforced its own law, or such a rescue operation, in the country. “Kung tayo rito sa Pilipinas very zealous tayo about sovereignty, nakita niyo, ganun sa ibang bansa. Siguro sa mata ng Kuwait authorities, we were enforcing their laws,” he said. “So kung sakali mang lumampas tayo dun, that we were enforcing some of their laws, tama naman po na mag-apologize tayo,” he added. (Vanne Elaine P. Terrazola)
