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Palace says Laguna statue part of freedom of expression


Malacañang on Tuesday defended the establishment of a bronze female statue in Laguna following criticism from the Japanese government, saying it is part of  freedom of expression.

The Japanese government has expressed disappointment over the unveiling of a "comfort woman" statue in San Pedro, Laguna, according to a Manila Shimbun report.

The report quoted the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines as saying that the "establishment of a comfort woman statue in other countries, including this case, is extremely disappointing, not compatible with the Japanese government."

The one-meter bronze statue, erected on December 28, 2018, shows a girl seated on a chair with a vacant chair on her right.

But in a statement, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the Laguna statue should not be compared with the comfort woman statue that was erected and later on removed on Roxas Boulevard.

Panelo said the Laguna statue is part of freedom of expression and "appears to be simply dedicated to peace and women empowerment."

"The statue subject of this current issue was commissioned using private funds and was built inside private property," Panelo said.

"This, therefore, forms part of freedom of expression and the government cannot simply delimit or restrain the exercise of such right without a tenable purpose — the aforesaid right being protected by our Constitution."

Panelo mentioned that the statue along Roxas Boulevard was build on public land and was "commissioned for the purpose memorializing a dark and internationally sensitive part of our peoples' history during the great war."

Panelo further acknowledged that the public should commemorate the sacrifices of Filipinos during war period, but people must also "refrain from unduly politicizing and issue which has already been addressed."

"As then remarked by the President, it would only be counter productive to antagonize Japan, which has since proven itself to be a strategic and reliable ally and partner, by politicizing the issue," Panelo said.

"Japan, after all, has paid dearly for its past deeds, which includes giving reparations," he added.

The controversial female statue on Roxas Boulevard was removed in April last year supposedly to make way for a drainage project of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Duterte had defended its removal, saying that it may be transferred to another location in order to not insult Japan. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News

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