PH-Canada ties not affected by ‘trash row’: Lopez

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said trade relations between the two countries would “simply continue” since the garbage shipment is a “separate issue”. (File Photo: DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez/Facebook)

MANILA – The ties between the Philippines and Canada will not be affected despite delays in Canada’s commitment to ship out trash dumped in the Philippines back in 2013, a Cabinet official said on Thursday.

Canada failed to keep its promise of retrieving its trash within the May 15 deadline set by President Rodrigo R. Duterte, which prompted the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to recall the Philippine envoys posted in the North American country.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said trade relations between the two countries would “simply continue” since the garbage shipment is a “separate issue”.

“Parang separate talaga ‘yun, saka isa pang, parang naso-solve na ‘yun particular issue na ‘yun di ba, may mga wino-work out na plans so hindi ‘yun sa tingin ko makaka apekto (I think that’s really a separate issue, because it’s already being solved, they’re working out plans so I really don’t think it will affect trade relations),” Lopez said.

“They will simply continue, they see the opportunities in the Philippines,” he added.

Lopez also does not see the recall of envoys to result in the severing of ties with Canada.

“Sa tingin ko hindi naman hahantong dun, napaka tagal na nung relationship natin para umabot sa ganun (I don’t think it’s going to reach that point, we have a long relationship with Canada only for it to end that way),” Lopez said.

Lopez said that if ever the remote possibility happens, it would have an impact on both countries’ economies.