Binay to Hong Kong: Spare OFWs from sanctions

Binay to Hong Kong: Spare OFWs from sanctions

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay urged the Hong Kong government not to impose restrictions on overseas Filipinos in the Chinese region following sanctions on officials' visas.

"I appeal to the Hong Kong government to spare our OFWs from the visa restrictions. I also hope and pray this matter will be resolved amicably," Binay said on his Twitter account.

On Wednesday, Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying announced that Philippine officials may no longer stay beyond 14 days without visas due to Manila's refusal to apologize for the deaths of eight Hong Kong tourists in 2010.

Binay said that a similar sanction on OFWs would diminish the help they extend to their families back home.

"OFWs will need to pay for the visa. The payment will be deducted from the money they should be sending their families," Binay said.

It would be an added burden to our #OFWs should Hongkong also cancel their visa-free entry to the region.

— Jejomar C. Binay (@VPJojoBinay) January 30, 2014

Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said on Thursday that the Philippines will reiterate its condolences to the families of slain victims of the bungled police affair.

Also read: DFA on HK sanctions: Hostage crisis had its closure