Statement of former Senator, now Deputy Speaker, Loren Legarda on the continuing Asian American attacks

“There should be no place for hate for or discrimination against any race in our world today. Instead, there should only be respect for human rights, dignity and equality among us.

We stand strong with our fellow Filipinos and fellow Asians during these trying times, made even more difficult by the ongoing pandemic, as we recognize the vast contribution of Asians in international relations and economic development, as well as in the progress achieved by the international community in the areas of science and health, food security, agriculture, technology, and even in culture and arts .

We thank the Biden administration for its swift action to prevent further attacks, as this means a lot to all Filipinos who have relatives who are working or residing in the United States.

We further appeal to pursue the ends of justice, and the immediate prosecution of the perpetrators as the adherence to the rule of law is the ultimate way to deter the commission of hate crimes.”