An ambassador's job is to strengthen goodwill with the nation he is assigned to and win friends among the people therein for his country. The ambassadorial post serves as a country's first link of good elations with another. Doing something that could antagonize citizens and officials in his country of assignment is farthest from actions expected of a foreign envoy.
The presence of a foreign ambassador is a strong indication of friendship between the nation he is assigned to and his home country. So, it was not surprising that US Ambassador Harry Thomas' statement that 40 percent of male tourists to the Philippines are only after sex with local women drew flak from politicians. The most vocal in censuring the US envoy's undiplomatic comments were Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Panfilo Lacson.
Standing part on his comment by three legislators to make an apology to Filipinos, saying that he had bases his assertion with records on sex trade gathered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation agents working with the National Bureau of Investigation,
It cannot be denied that some nationals from other countries come to the Philippines or sexual pleasure with our women who are mostly attractive. But without doubt the great majority of male foreigners come to the country for short visits because there are many things to see in this tropical paradise. ...
Another thing that draws foreign tourists to the country is the low cost of food, services,transportation and hotel accommodations here compared with tose of most other countries. And, because we have sunshine the whole year around, foreign tourists can come to the Philippines at any time of the year.
With his undiplomatic statement that earned the ire of MANY Filipinos, the Ambassador Thomas should heed Senator Lacson's call that he 'pack his bag and go home" for being "tactless, offensive and undiplomatic".
(With friendly permission: Editorial of Mindanao Daily Mirror, October 7, 2011, by publisher Marietta F. Siongco and Ana Theresa F. Basilio, General Manager).
Comment:
I strongly agree, although today the Ambassador expressed his apologizes... .
