File photo of President “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government will seriously consider and will not be rushed in deciding on the request of the United States to allow refugees from Afghanistan to seek asylum in the country, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Monday.
“We haven’t given ourselves a deadline. What we are talking about is that we are trying to see what are the problems that are there—what issues are arising. And in so doing, we are trying to find ways to remedy those issues that we feel are something that we have to deal with,” the President told reporters in Pampanga.
“We have made some progress, but there are still some major obstacles to us being able to do it. But we continue to consult with our friends in the United States,” he added.
Mr. Marcos said that compared to the Philippines’ acceptance of various refugees in the past, the issue of granting asylum to Afghan nationals was “a bit more complicated” as it had “political” and “security” aspects.
“So, we’ll look at it very, very well before making a decision,” he added.
Nevertheless, the Chief Executive said he wanted to “manifest” the Filipino instinct of hospitality as the government considers the request from the United States, adding that during previous world crises, the Philippines granted asylum to refugees that other countries did not want, earning the refugees’ gratitude.
During Mr. Marcos’ state visit to Washington, US President Joe Biden requested the Philippines to temporarily accept thousands of refugees who fled Afghanistan in 2021 following the pullout of US-led coalition forces and the return to power of the Taliban.