30 April 2004 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert said that the continued issuance by foreign governments of travel advisories on the Philippines is more perfunctory than accurate and that the recent statements by several Manila-based foreign envoys is much more relevant and revealing.

“These travel advisories should be seen more as perfunctory and ministerial rather than accurate or precise,” Secretary Albert said.

“These are churned out largely by bureaucratic inertia.  The recent statements by foreign ambassadors in Manila, that the Philippines is a good place to visit and to do business, is much more relevant and reflects the true situation in our country,” she added.

The Secretary also said that from her meetings overseas with foreign leaders, it was clear that confidence in the Philippines is high.  “In my face-to-face meetings with foreign ministers and other high officials, I was given very positive statements and indications of confidence in our country, in our people and our leadership,” the Secretary said.  END.