Lacson: We Are Not Surrendering Anything in Talks with Chinese Embassy on WPS

We are not surrendering anything — much less bowing to anyone — in any potential talks with the Chinese Embassy, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson stressed Sunday.

Lacson emphasized that the prospective talks – which he suggested after Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan expressed willingness to talk with Philippine leaders to ease the word war on the issue – will focus not on contentious issues such as ownership of the disputed areas, but on establishing clear lines of communication between the two sides.

Also, Lacson lauded Sen. Erwin Tulfo for his own initiative to meet with embassy officials as the new Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, saying it is “a move in the right direction” and “commendable.” He said Sen. Tulfo may report to the all-senators’ caucus the result of his 11 a.m. meeting, as the caucus is scheduled at 1:30 p.m.

“Wala tayong sinusuko at di tayo yumuyuko. Gusto lang natin maiwasan ang maaanghang na palitan ng salita through social media. Mas maganda ang direktang pag-uusap (We are not surrendering anything and we are not bowing to anyone. We simply want to prevent misunderstanding and fiery exchanges on social media, by talking to each other directly),” Lacson said in an interview on DZBB radio.

In Filipino: Lacson: Wala Tayong Isinusuko sa Pakikipagusap sa Chinese Embassy Tungkol sa WPS

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Lacson Eyes Senators’ Dialogue with Chinese Embassy on WPS Row

Now that Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan has expressed willingness to sit down with Philippine leaders to ease the word war between Chinese diplomats and Philippine officials, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson is open to initiating a dialogue between the Senate and the Chinese Embassy.

Lacson, who described Ambassador Jing’s statement as a “pleasant surprise,” said Saturday afternoon he will propose to Senate President Vicente Sotto III that the Senate invite the Chinese diplomats to a meeting or a dialogue.

“I will suggest to the Senate President that the dialogue include at least members of the Senate majority. The minority can send their representatives to take part,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino, in an interview on DWIZ radio.

“To me, that’s a good opening we should consider and we should grab the opportunity to initiate such talks. We can meet at the Senate, or the embassy grounds, or a neutral area. It would be good to sit down and discuss what needs to be discussed. After all, we have diplomatic ties with China. We even have a One China Policy,” he added.

In Filipino: Lacson, Nais Magka-Dayalogo ang mga Senador at Chinese Embassy sa Isyu ng WPS

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