PUMALAG si Presidential Spokesperson at Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo sa naging pahayag ni Sen. Panfilo Lacson na nagiging tagapagsalita na ang opisyal ng Chinese Embassy.
“I take strong exception to the remarks of Senator Panfilo ’Ping’ Lacson that I am speaking on behalf of the Chinese embassy when I shared to the media its ambassador’s reaction in connection with fears about the location of some Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) with Chinese employees near our military bases,” sabi ni Panelo.
Iginiit ni Panelo na walang masama kung i-share niya ang text message ni Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua.
“As the Chinese Ambassador, Mr. Zhao is authorized to speak about the position of his government. I am the spokesperson of the President and of the entire Filipino people, including the overseas foreign workers (OFWs),” giit niya ni Panelo.
Idinagdag ni Panelo na ginagawa lamang niya ang kanyang trabaho na maging bukas sa media at ibahagi ang mga impormayon.
“If Senator Lacson is not concerned with the OFWs, the Office of the President is. Anything that concerns them or any policy of a host country that may affect their stay we certainly are interested and concerned. Senator Lacson need not be reminded that as a Senator of the Republic, he represents not only Filipinos who live here but also those who work abroad, unless his statement is driven by the fact the OFW votes in China will not move a needle for him if he plans to run in 2022,” sabi ni Panelo.
“The good senator takes liberty at criticizing but it seems that he cannot take any criticism directed to him as a response to his initial criticism. This Administration is open to suggestions and criticisms, but we expect those who express the same to be ready to engage in an intellectual discourse without resorting to unsporting remarks,” ayon pa kay Panelo.