Trash issue  won’t affect Philippines – Canada trade ties – DTI chief 

MANILA, Philippines – Trade relations between the Philippines and Canada will not be affected by the garbage shipment issue between the two countries, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said Thursday.

Lopez made the remarks after the Philippines recalled its ambassador and consul generals in Canada after the Canadian government missed the May 15 deadline to ship back trash sent to the Philippines six years ago.

“Tingin ko doon, parang separate talaga ‘yon, saka isa pang, parang nasosolve na ‘yong particular issue na ‘yon di ba, may mga winowork out na na plans so hindi ‘yon sa tingin ko makaka apekto sa, kasi business to business transaction natin pagdating sa trade and investment with Canadian companies (I think it’s a separate issue, besides, plans are already being worked out, so I don’t think it will affect trade relations),” the trade chief told reporters in Malacañang.

Trade relations between Manila and Ottawa, he said would “simply continue” as they see opportunities in the Philippines.

“Di po makaka apekto yun dahil hindi naman, hindi naman ‘yong mga kompanya ang kalaban din natin doon, so separate. I think that’s a separate issue talaga,” he said.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the recall of the ambassador and consul generals was a warning that Manila could sever ties with Canada over the trash shipment issue.

But Lopez said severing ties with Canada won’t happen.

“Sa tingin ko hindi naman hahantong dun, napaka tagal na noong relationship natin para umabot sa ganoon or maapektuhan ‘yong long term relationship with Canada,” he said.

“Pagdating doon, una-una tingin ko hindi dadating doon sa hantungan na ‘yon,” he added.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that Canada is the Philippines’ 19th top trading partner in 2017. (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)