“Stop giving comments that may inflame incidents,” Panelo says
(Eagle News)–The Palace on Monday, Feb. 11, lashed out at Vice President Leni Robredo for her “speculative comments” on the Philippines’ treatment of Chinese nationals.
Robredo had said the taho-throwing incident involving a Chinese national at a Metro Rail Transit station was a “wakeup call” to Filipinos about the “special treatment” being granted to the Chinese in the country.
“Maybe it’s a wake up call for her to stop speculating and stop giving statements that may inflame incidents that need not be so,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.
According to Panelo, in the first place, “that particular issue happens almost anywhere.”
He noted that other nationalities were also sometimes rude, which means rudeness was “not limited to (some) Chinese.”
As for Jiale Zhang, Panelo said she has been charged for splashing the taho at P01 William Cristobal who was merely explaining to her the MRT ban on food and drinks that explained why she could not be allowed entry in the MRT station with the drink.
Charges for unjust vexation, direct assault and disobedience to a person of authority have been filed against her.
Panelo added the Bureau of Immigration was also considering her deportation.
“Let us not blow up the issue,” he said, even as he reminded foreigners in the country to “always behave.”