MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – If Donald Trump heeds the urging of the U.S. Senate, Philippine officials and others involved in the supposed unlawful detention of Senator Leila de Lima, will be banned from entering the U.S.
But President Duterte made the first counter move by banning the entry into the Philippines of three Democrat Senators who authored and supported the resolution urging the ban on the Filipinos — Senators Patrick Leahy, Dick Durbin and Edward Markey.
Today, Duterte announced that if such a ban on Filipinos is pursued and implemented by the U.S. State Department, he will impose a devastating sanction on America, by banning U.S. imports of Philippine soy sauce and vinegar.
Soy sauce and vinegar, especially the famous Marca Piña brand, are key ingredients in preparing the world-famous adobo dish, loved not just by Filipinos living abroad but even gourmet chefs in the U.S.
The Philippine Presidential Palace said that banning U.S. imports of soy sauce and vinegar will have a devastating effect on the estimated 4 million Filipinos now living in America — many of whom work in key professions and services like health care, music, engineering, hospitality and technology.
”It will also be very disappointing for top chefs in America who are all in agreement that the Filipino adobo is among the world’s best cuisine,” Presidential Spoksperson Salvador Panelo said.
