Gordon reminds Chinese envoy of Filipino hospitality
IN the wake of the recent statements made by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, Senator Richard J. Gordon yesterday pointed out that the Filipino people are known for their hospitality especially to refugees and the downtrodden.
“History is witness to that. Our homes always welcome guests and share our bounty. But we are not hospitable to intruders. Our national anthem resounds with the line ‘sa manlulupig di ka pasisiil’,” he said.
Gordon also commented that like the Chinese people, Filipinos also value promise and integrity.
“There have been times we even seal with our blood, pacts and promises like the Pact of Biak-na-Bato. Filipinos make great friends but won’t tolerate abuse of the friendship,” he stressed.
The senator said it is timely to recall what Confucius said regarding friendship: “There are three friendships which are advantageous and three which are injurious. Friendship with the upright, with the sincere, and with the man of much observation; these are advantageous. Friendship with the man of specious airs, friendship with the insinuatingly soft, and friendship with the glib-tongued; these are injurious.”
The Chinese envoy on Friday said it is normal for neighbors like China and the Philippines to have differences as he expressed his belief that the coronavirus pandemic is a “test of friendship” between the two countries.
Huang warned the Philippines against “some countries” trying to sow discord and taking advantage of the differences between Manila and Beijing in an apparent reference to the West Philippine Sea issue, saying what is important is to handle them in a mature and constructive manner.
He also maintained that the Chinese people not only value promises, integrity and mean what they say, but they also believe in the old saying that “a friend in need is a friend indeed.”
