By Chime Tenzing
Dharamsala, August 31 – A long-time Tibet supporter, lady senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago of Philiphines will now spearhead the Tibet Support Group in the Philippines.
In a letter to the Senator, the representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Japan and East Asia, Mr.Lhakpa Tshoko, requested the Senator for assistance in Tibet’s struggle for autonomy and religious freedom within the People’s Republic of China.
On accepting the request Santiago said “As a longtime advocate for Tibet, I am honored to accept this request. I am confident that the Tibet Support Group in the Philippines will be of great help to the cause”.
Mr.Lhakpa Tshoko met Santiago during the 5th World Parliamentarian’s Convention on Tibet last November in Rome, Italy. Mr. Lhakpa recalled in his letter Santiago’s suggestion of organizing a study group in Manila where he could give a talk about Tibet.
Mr.Lhakpa said the TSG from the Philippines will take part in the 6th International Conference of Tibet Support Groups in India from November 5 to 7. Santiago will soon launch an online campaign to find participants who will attend the conference.
It was widely believed that Santiago did not get the China vote for her World Court candidacy, primarily because of her support for Tibet. She also met the Dalai Lama in Rome on November 29, 2009.
