House approves Philippines-Israel Day bill

The plenary hall of the House of Representatives. (INQUIRER.net file photo)

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives passed on third reading a bill setting August 9 as the Philippine-Israel Friendship Day, but two lawmakers disagreed with the chamber’s move as it supposedly gives credence to the atrocities suffered by Palestinians.

At the House session on Monday, 256 lawmakers voted in favor of House Bill (HB) No. 7763, while two voted in the negative and four abstained.

According to HB No. 7763, August 9 was selected for the Philippine-Israel Friendship Day to commemorate the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations, which started when then president Manuel Quezon allowed Jews escaping the Nazi Germany’s Holocaust during the Second World War into the country.

“The ninth of August of each year is hereby declared as the Philippines- Israel Friendship Day to commemorate the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Israel, birthed from the signing of Proclamation No.173 by President Manuel L. Quezon which called on all Filipinos to welcome and help Jewish refugees who were escaping the horrors of the Holocaust,” the bill said.

The two lawmakers ho voted in the negative — Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong and Lanao del Sur 2nd District Rep. Yasser Alonto Balindong — insisted that the country must be careful in its steps given the tense situation between Palestine and Israel.

“There is a saying ‘tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are’.  This old Spanish proverb suggests that like minds think together: if I know who your friends are, and I know what your character is.  By declaring our friendship to Israel, we approve of the atrocities against humanity it has committed — and will continue to commit in the future,” Balindong said in his explanation.

“According to Amnesty International, Israel’s continuing oppressive and discriminatory system of governing Palestinians in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories constituted a system of apartheid, which is a crime against international law,” he added.

Adiong meanwhile said that while he understands the noble intention of having stronger ties with Middle Eastern countries, the Philippines should be mindful of how the Palestinians feel — given the decades of conflict between Israel and Palestine.

“I’m quite sure that such a proposal comes from noble and pure intentions, and it is in fact admirable Madam Speaker to foster friendship between and among nations, especially countries situated in the Middle East with whom we have existing strategic alliances,” he said.

“It is no secret that the situation in Israel and Palestine has been marked of decades of conflict and suffering — something that the Filipino muslims and Bangsamoro people in general empathize (with).  The recent escalation in Gaza which claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians is a stark reminder of the need for a lasting and peaceful resolution to this long-standing conflict,” he added.

Adiong further noted that the House should also keep in mind the sentiments of Filipino Muslims, as it might offend Palestinians who like Muslims in Mindanao are seeking autonomy.

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