Manila, Singapore and ASEAN

Manila, Singapore and ASEAN

The execution of the Filipino house maid Flor Contemplacion
seems to have brought extended repercussions. We, who are
watching the incident from afar and are unfamiliar with the
details of the case, are unable to give any comment. As a fellow
member of ASEAN, however, we can only express our concern and
hope that the diplomatic tension that has ensued can be eased and
that the two neighboring countries can resolve the controversy in
a sensible manner.

Naturally every country wishes to see its laws upheld
equitably and indiscriminately. On the other hand we also
understand why the Flor Contemplacion case is rousing the
emotions of Filipinos. When nationalist feelings are hurt the
expressions that arise can take forms such as what we are
witnessing in the Philippines at present.

To protect longer-term interests, however, safeguards are
necessary. We appreciate the guarantee given by President Ramos
to continue to protect the safety of all Singaporean nationals
and properties in the Philippines while hoping that the same
protection will be given to Philippine nationals in that island
state.

In a bilateral context, Singapore is the second-biggest ASEAN
investor in the Philippines with a total investment of US$63.2
million last year, while Philippine workers employed in Singapore
send home US$91 million each year.

We are confident that however seriously the Contemplacion case
is straining the feelings of the people and government of the
Philippines, they will not simply throw away all that has been
achieved between the two countries so far.

We are aware that within the scope of ASEAN at present various
sensitive problems exist between members, especially due to
overlapping territorial claims. Naturally all of us in ASEAN will
do our best to see that those problems do not grow in number.

-- Kompas, Jakarta