Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 15) — The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations will hold an “urgent” public hearing on Friday about the United States’ request for the Philippines to allow the admission of Afghanistan nationals.
According to the notice provided by the panel, the closed-door meeting was turned into a public hearing \”due to the significance and urgency of the matter.\”
Last week, the panel’s chairperson Sen. Imee Marcos filed a resolution seeking inquiry into the issue. She questioned the lack of data on the Afghans’ status \”as legitimate refugees or employees of the US government or American companies.\”
Citing information from undisclosed sources, the senator said the foreign nationals will be transported directly into the Philippines from Afghanistan.
Marcos expressed concerns on exposing the country to \”substantial risk\” from \”individuals who pose a threat to national security and public safety.\”
Senate minority leader Sen. Koko Pimentel backed Marcos’ call for a probe, also expressing doubt on the US’ request. He added that the Senate should be more involved in foreign policy matters such as this.
Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez earlier clarified that the US was only requesting assistance for its Afghan personnel fleeing the Taliban while their American visas are being processed.
Meanwhile, former president Rodrigo Duterte expressed his opposition to the US’ request.
“I would rather not accept if it is a demand. Ano itong Amerikano? Kung ganunin mo ako sa panahon ko bull**** kita, magdemand-demand ka sa akin. P**a, sino ka?” he said in an interview.
[Translation: I would rather not accept if it is a demand. What are these Americans? If you did this to me during my time, I’d bull**** you, you are demanding from me. Who do you think you are?]
Duterte also advised President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to think twice and to \”take his time\” studying the request.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said the issue is now being studied by the government, and the Department of Foreign Affairs has been tasked to discuss the matter.
