BAGUIO CITY—The United States government has apologized on behalf of former President Bill Clinton, for an aide who tried to kick out a Cordillera delegation from his Manila lecture last year because it included a young Igorot wearing a G-string.
The apology was sent through the US Embassy in Manila on Dec. 14 and was received by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) on Jan. 4, said Vladimir Cayabas, administrator of a local school who sent the delegation to Clinton’s lecture at theManila Hotel on Nov. 10.
US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr. wrote: “I am writing to express my sincere apology for the incident detailed [in a Nov. 25 complaint aired by NCIP chair Roque Agton Jr.]. I deeply regret any offense to the distinguished indigenous people present at President Clinton’s forum... Unfortunately, in situations such as this, those unaware of the richness of Filipino culture and tradition often fail to appreciate its historical significance and value in the treasured partnership of our two nations.”
Cayabas had bought tickets for himself, a woman companion and 19-year-old Moshe Dacmeg to attend the lecture.
The three were accosted by hotel personnel and a Clinton aide, who ordered them to leave the premises, Cayabas said.
Because other people intervened, Cayabas said they were still able to attend the lecture.
Cayabas said the apology should have been sent by the William J. Clinton Foundation itself.
He said it was not the US government that offended them. The letter, he said, also failed to specify “what actions or reprimand would be meted out to the agent who accosted us to give him a lesson.”
Cayabas said he hoped the apology was sincere and was not offered as a matter of diplomacy.
He said he accepted the apology on behalf “of all indigenous peoples of the Cordillera and around the globe” because it was a tacit admission that the Clinton Foundation erred.
Cayabas said he was told that the foundation supplied the security personnel that guarded the former American president.
Thomas did not refer to the letter when he visited Baguio on Dec. 17 to host an annual Yuletide dinner. The ambassador was treated to a performance by G-string-wearing dancers when he visited Saint Louis University here.
Vincent Cabreza,
When in Cebu City, please visit gregmelep.com for your real estate and retirement needs.
Inquirer Northern Luzon
The apology was sent through the US Embassy in Manila on Dec. 14 and was received by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) on Jan. 4, said Vladimir Cayabas, administrator of a local school who sent the delegation to Clinton’s lecture at theManila Hotel on Nov. 10.
US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr. wrote: “I am writing to express my sincere apology for the incident detailed [in a Nov. 25 complaint aired by NCIP chair Roque Agton Jr.]. I deeply regret any offense to the distinguished indigenous people present at President Clinton’s forum... Unfortunately, in situations such as this, those unaware of the richness of Filipino culture and tradition often fail to appreciate its historical significance and value in the treasured partnership of our two nations.”
Cayabas had bought tickets for himself, a woman companion and 19-year-old Moshe Dacmeg to attend the lecture.
The three were accosted by hotel personnel and a Clinton aide, who ordered them to leave the premises, Cayabas said.
Because other people intervened, Cayabas said they were still able to attend the lecture.
Cayabas said the apology should have been sent by the William J. Clinton Foundation itself.
He said it was not the US government that offended them. The letter, he said, also failed to specify “what actions or reprimand would be meted out to the agent who accosted us to give him a lesson.”
Cayabas said he hoped the apology was sincere and was not offered as a matter of diplomacy.
He said he accepted the apology on behalf “of all indigenous peoples of the Cordillera and around the globe” because it was a tacit admission that the Clinton Foundation erred.
Cayabas said he was told that the foundation supplied the security personnel that guarded the former American president.
Thomas did not refer to the letter when he visited Baguio on Dec. 17 to host an annual Yuletide dinner. The ambassador was treated to a performance by G-string-wearing dancers when he visited Saint Louis University here.
Vincent Cabreza,
When in Cebu City, please visit gregmelep.com for your real estate and retirement needs.
Inquirer Northern Luzon
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