Morales’ HK case ‘sensationalized’

As much as we sympathize with what former ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales had to go through in Hong Kong, especially as a senior citizen, the way it was sensationalized is worrisome as the same “immigration procedure” (if not worse) is what thousands of our overseas workers for decades experience as they travel to other countries, yet receive few headlines.

At the same time, Morales herself painted a different picture of her ordeal in her video interview recorded upon arriving at the airport: She admitted that she was allowed entry after she was interviewed, and even received additional assistance. It was her decision to return home. Why did some of our media rashly headlined that she was refused entry or barred? (“Morales barred from entering HK,” News, 5/22/19).

She herself recounted that some people had warned her that she might be refused entry given the fact that she had filed a case against Chinese President Xi Jinping at the International Criminal Court. This was also after Vice President Leni Robredo had staged a political rally during her recent visit to Hong Kong.

Did they even consider the plight of the thousands of OFWs in Hong Kong who are peacefully trying to make a living in the country? What if their actions lead to a backlash? Is this really how we want the world to perceive Filipinos?

KAT DEL MUNDO, kdmundo85@gmail.com