Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople today instructed the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco to monitor the developments arising from the formal protest filed by Commissioner Jacqueline Lingad Ricci, against three fellow commissioners in the Juvenile Probation Commission (JPC).

“I have instructed the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco to monitor the events relating to the allegations made by Commissioner Ricci against her colleagues.  We take all cases of racial discrimination against Filipinos, even though they may be citizens of another country, very seriously,” the Secretary said.

The Secretary expressed concern over the news that Commissioner Ricci was subjected to racist and sexist remarks by fellow Commissioner Sean Connolly during the June 3 commissioners’ meeting.  Three other commissioners had allegedly conspired to sign a fictitious declaration contradicting Ricci’s claims.

Filipino-American groups reportedly held a press conference at the San Francisco Marriot on 7 June to support Ricci and to protest anti-Filipino racism.

“I am glad to note that the concern of our nationals for their fellow Filipinos has not wavered.  I, too support their cause against racism and hope that the case of Commissioner Ricci will be resolved soon,” the Secretary said in reaction to this development.

Ricci, who is of Filipino descent, is the only woman who sits in the JPC. END.