Temporary suspension of Philippines' visa-free privilege in Taiwan not true, says Bello

Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) head Silvestre Bello III on Thursday denied reports that Taiwan has temporarily suspended the visa-free privilege for Filipinos.

Interviewed on Dobol B TV, Bello said he immediately sought clarification from Taiwanese Representative to the Philippines Michael Pei-Yung Hsu when he heard about the report and was told that it was possibly just a "misunderstanding."

"Nung natanggap ko yung balita, agad-agad kinausap ko 'yung kanilang ambassador... at maliwanag ang kaniyang sinabi na hindi po totoo 'yan," Bello said.

(When I heard the news, I immediately contacted their ambassador... the ambassador clearly told me that there's no truth to the report.)

"Ang paliwanag niya [His explanation is] it's possible that there was a possible misunderstanding on Taiwan's announcement na meron silang [that Taiwan is offering] visa-free entry sa bansang [to countries in] Europe, United States, United Kingdom, Canada without mentioning the Philippines," he added.

Bello confirmed to GMA News Online that he was referring to Michael Pei-Yung Hsu.

The report stemmed from a September 5 notice posted by Taiwan's Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA) that said it will resume visa waivers for the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and several mostly European countries starting September 12.

The notice, however, also states that it is "temporarily suspending" visa-free entry to Chile, Dominican Republic, Israel, Japan, Republic of Korea, Nicaragua, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Philippines, and Russia.

Bello said Michael Pei-Yung Hsu described the report as "false rumor."

"Sabi niya pakiklaro 'yan, false rumor 'yan, hindi totoo 'yan. 'Yan ang sabi sa akin kagabi," he said.

(He said please clarify that, that's false rumor, it's not true. That's what he told me last night.)  —KBK, GMA News