MANILA: The Philippine government confirmed that it has banned all government officials and employees from making official trips to Canada, a move that the country is serious in diminishing diplomatic relations with Canada over the trash dispute. Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo issued a statement yesterday that executive secretary Salvador Medialdea issued a memorandum dated May 20, “directing all department secretaries and heads of agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations and government financial institutions to refrain from issuing travel authorities for official trips to Canada”. “The aforesaid memo likewise directed heads of government agencies to reduce official interaction with representatives of the Canadian government,” Panelo’s statement read. On May 22, Panelo said the Philippines will “immediately” ship the tonnes of waste back to Canada and that Manila will pay for the shipping cost. Canada said on Thursday that it is ready to ship back the trash by end of June.

Source: The Star May 27, 2019 00:11 UTC