World | Philippines
British embassy plays down row over Harry and Paul episode
The British embassy tried to steer clear of the furore raised by Filipino groups over the "racist and sexist" portrayal of Filipina maids in the BBC comedy show, Harry and Paul.
- By Gilbert Felongco, Correspondent
- Published: 23:26 October 7, 2008
Manila: The British embassy tried to steer clear of the furore raised by Filipino groups over the "racist and sexist" portrayal of Filipina maids in the BBC comedy show, Harry and Paul.
In a statement emailed to Gulf News yesterday, the British Embassy said it recognises the contributions of Filipinos working and living in the United Kingdom, but at the same time, the embassy said it is respecting the freedom of expression of the British Broadcasting Corporation.
Filipino groups in the UK and in the Philippines have demanded a public apology from the BBC over what they described as "racist and sexist" portrayal of Filipino household workers in the September 26 episode of the comedy show.
But the British Embassy said such an incident should not get in the way of the otherwise cordial relations between the two countries. "The BBC has editorial independence, and views expressed/portrayed by the BBC are completely independent from those of the UK government," the British Embassy said.
Renato Reyes, secretary general of the militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (New Nationalist Alliance or Bayan) said more than action from authorities, the Philippine government should make conscious efforts to improve the image of maids as household workers that can be easily exploited.
Reports said Representative Hermilando Mandanas, chairman of the House Foreign Relations Committee, had called the authorities to complain about the show.
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