MANILA, Feb. 1 (PNA) — The Philippines will maintain open lines of communication with Hong Kong in the wake of visa requirements the Hong Kong government imposed on holders of red and blue (official) Philippine passports, Malacañang said Saturday.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Philippine government is always ready to resolve the issue through dialogue.
“Siguro nakita ninyo sa ating pahayag sa nakaraang araw, we take it as it is. Pinapakita natin na patuloy ang ating pagiging bukas (You have seen in past days that the Philippine government has kept communication lines open),” she said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.
She also said there have been “consultations” ongoing on the matter.
The Hong Kong government earlier implemented further sanctions against the Philippines by requiring visas for holders of Philippine official and diplomatic passport holders. Such passports are used on official travel.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs had said the Philippine government “regrets” such an act, which it also branded as “unfortunate.”
It added the Philippines “remains committed to manifest compassion for the victims and their families and is ready to turn over the additional tokens of solidarity from the Filipino people.”
Hong Kong’s action stemmed from its repeated demands for an apology from the Philippine government over the death of eight Hong Kong tourists in a hostage crisis in 2010. (PNA)