Recto presses for apology, indemnity from China over sinking of PH boat

MANILA, Philippines — Demanding apology and compensation from China is just the right thing to do, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said Wednesday. 

“We should support our poor fishermen by demanding an apology and compensation. That’s the right thing to do,”  Recto said in a text message. 

Manila has already filed a diplomatic protest  after a Chinese vessel reportedly rammed a Philippine fishing boat in the West Philippine Sea last June 9, and left its 22 Filipino  crew in the open sea.

Senator Panfilo Lacson believes the issue should have been settled had China immediately issued an apology.

“Sa akin sana na-settle ito, at least mollified tayong mga nagmamasid na Pilipino kung agad-agad nag-issue ng apology ang China instead of defending or even effectively accusing our fishermen of lying,” Lacson said at the Kapihan sa Senado on Wednesday.

Besides, he said, Filipinos are forgiving especially when the offending party has asked  for forgiveness.

Lacson quickly said, however, that apology should be given freely, and should not be demanded. 

“No. We cannot ask,” he said when asked if China should apologize. “You cannot ask an apology from anybody. It cannot be demanded, it is only given.”

“Maski ako if someone will ask me to apologize, I will not apologize; it should come from me. At ang apology when demanded it lacks sincerity. Nawala ang sincerity ng apology kung ginawa mo lang kasi dinemand na mag-apologize ka,” he added.

Even Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana believes that the captain of the Chinese vessel should apologize for abandoning the Filipino fishermen.

“I think it would be appropriate to demand the ship captain to apologize and make restitution for the damage,” Lorenzana said.

READ: DND: Chinese ship captain in Recto Bank incident should apologize, pay damages

(Editor: Katherine G. Adraneda)