1 April 2004 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert said that the private organization responsible for erroneously citing the Philippines as a country that harbors and aids terrorists in a survey has apologized for its actions.

“On 29 March, the Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, Representative Tom Reynolds (R-New York), personally apologized to Ambassador Albert del Rosario and took responsibility for the mistake.  Rep. Reynolds gave the assurance that remedial action will be taken.  We accept  this apology, we put this episode behind us and it is now time to move on,” Secretary Albert said.

The Secretary said that the swift action of the Philippine Embassy in Washington was crucial in correcting the misimpression in the survey.  “Our Team in Washington, headed by Ambassador Albert del Rosario, is to be
commended for their vigilance and dedication in this case. I also appreciate the clarifications made by the US Government which helped to dispel any notion that the Philippines harbors and aids terrorists,” she said.

The Secretary noted, however, that at the end of the day, “this episode has actually provided a vehicle to help reinforce the basic truth that the Philippines is a leader in the war against terror.”

The Secretary said that the Department will continue to remain vigilant in countering any future misimpressions. “This incident could be an indication that, in spite of the clear efforts of the Philippine Government and its
success in the war against terrorism, these developments are not reaching the general public and some policy and decision makers in some countries.  The Department and its foreign service posts have been doing their best to do this, but clearly there is a need to exert even more effort to communicate our actions and our achievements.  Clearly, we need to intensify our public diplomacy,” the Secretary said. END.