DFA nixes sale of PH property in Japan

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday rejected proposals for the Philippine government to sell five pieces of prime property in Japan with the proceeds supposedly to be used for the reparation of Filipino World War II veterans, as proposed in a bill pending in the House of Representatives.

During a meeting of the House committee on veterans affairs and welfare, lawmakers urged the DFA and the Philippine Veterans’ Affairs Office (PVAO) to set a multilateral meeting to discuss the differences of positions on issues confronting the country’s war veterans.

“It would be possible, [but] given the so many complications pertaining to the properties in Japan, we don’t think it would be wise; we don’t think it would be economical for us to be touching those properties for now because there are so many challenges that we need to address before moving forward,” Eduardo Malaya, foreign undersecretary for administration, told lawmakers.

The House committee is deliberating on House Bill No. 1921, which, among other provisions, puts on PVAO jurisdiction over the proceeds of any proposed sale of the Philippines’ properties in Japan.

In his online appearance before the House panel, Malaya echoed the position of Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., who earlier opposed the sale of the country’s assets in Fujimi, Roppongi, and Nanpeidai in Tokyo, as well as those in Naniwa-cho and Obanoyama in Kobe City.

The properties are being eyed as possible sources of funds for the pensions and other benefits of veterans and military retirees or their dependents.