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