Quoting two Manila councilors, The Standard said the Hong Kong government and Manila are also expected to sign a joint agreement during the visit of the delegation of Filipino officials.
Estrada and six Manila councilors arrived in Hong Kong Friday.
“We only represent the Manila City Council. Our part is to submit the resolution,” Councilor Edward Maceda said.
Councilor Marlon Lacson added that Estrada was in Hong Kong in his capacity as Manila mayor and does not represent President Benigno Aquino III.
The Manila delegation is scheduled to leave Hong Kong and return to Manila on Friday this week.
The Philippines and Hong Kong are working on a “mutually satisfactory” solution to the 2010 Manila bus hostage crisis , Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said last November.
Three months later in February, Hong Kong chief executive CY Leung said hostage crisis’ victims and their families are fully justified in asking for “an apology from the Philippine government for its officials’ failure and lapses in the rescue operation…”
Leung also said the request is “consistent with the findings of its (HK government) official investigation.”
The Hong Kong chief executive added that the “door to further discussion is open” as he urged the Philippine government to resolve the issue sincerely to avoid further sanctions following suspension last January of the 14-day visa-free visiting arrangement for Philippine diplomatic and official passport holders from February 5. — Joel Locsin/ELR, GMA News
