Discrimination is not right. And Filipinos ought not to be discriminatory. This is what Senator Win Gatchalian stressed in the wake of increasing negative sentiments towards China and the Chinese nationals in this time of the novel coronavirus scare.
Gatchalian, who has always believed that discrimination in the country is very low, reiterates that the Filipino people draw strength from being one of the most diverse in terms of race and nationality.
“This is the best opportune time to unite and bury our differences.”
The veteran legislator pointed out that this is the best time to unite and forget about differences towards a common goal – to put an end to outbreak.
Since the authorities announced the first case of the coronavirus disease COVID-19 in the country, those Chinese-looking were shunned . Taxi drivers, for instance, have refused to pick up Chinese-looking passengers.
It’s no different in some schools. Adamson University had earlier advised Chinese students to immediately postpone all transactions in the school until they have observed self-quarantine for 14 days. The university later apologized for its action.
Even social networking sites have been bombarded with anti-China (and anti-Chinese) sentiments, with some saying “Chinese should all be banned in the Philippines.” Online photos taken in other countries were posted to show some restaurants with signs at their doors shooing away Chinese people.
“Nakakalungkot isipin na sa gitna ng isang krisis ay ngayon pa tayo magkakawatak-watak. Ang kailangan natin ay magsama-sama para sugpuin ang tunay na kalaban,” said the seasoned lawmaker.
“Let us not allow ourselves to get sidetracked by the culture of hate.”
“Of paramount concern is the continuing spread of COVID-19 which spares no one, whether the victim is Chinese, Filipino or any other nationality. Let us not allow ourselves to get sidetracked by the culture of hate,” the senator pointed out.
He says it is not fair for some misinformed people to propagate their anti-China racist sentiments as there is a number of legitimate Chinese business owners here in the country.
Health officials themselves have earlier called for the public to stop spreading racist sentiments, adding that it does not help in containing the virus.
“This mounting discrimination against the Chinese is counter-productive. Hence, like the coronavirus, the spread of hate must be contained”, Gatchalian concluded.