Deles bares formation of advisory body to help peace talks with MILF
In keeping with the desire of President Benigno Aquino III for greater transparency and accountability in the peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the government is forming an advisory body to assist the negotiators in its talks with Muslim rebels.
This was disclosed by Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Teresita “Ging” Deles in an interview Saturday over Radyo ng Bayan where she explained that the advisory body will be composed of members from both Houses of Congress, retired justices of the Supreme Court, members of the 1987 Constitutional Commission, local governments in strife-affected areas, non government organizations involved in peace efforts and the former chairmen of previous peace panels.
Deles said she has met with House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte and with Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile to ask them to designate their representatives to the advisory body that will be dealing with the negotiating panel, headed by chief peace negotiator Marvic Leonen.
“The advisory body will not just advise the government panel with MILF but also the panel to be constituted to talk with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples’ Army-National Democratic Front,” Deles said.
“The President said the peace process has to be as transparent and with greater accountability as far as possible so we met with civil society to tell them that government is very much in consultation with them in the peace negotiations so we will know who will represent them in the peace panel,” she added.
She said she expects the memorandum guidelines that would set the parameters, mandates and responsibilities of the panel, especially Chief Negotiator Leonen, to be signed by the President next week as the nation celebrates September as the National Peace Consciousness Month.
She stressed that the panel will take off from the agreements and discussions arrived at by previous negotiating panels with MILF and “we are also involving not just the President and the Security Council” in the course of the negotiations but advisers from the advisory body.
In a related development, the country celebrates September as the Peace Consciousness Month with the theme “People Power for Peace” on September 21 to raise awareness on the need to involve the citizenry to advance the peace talks.
“This is an international month-long celebration and the local celebration will deeply involve civil society in its numerous celebration programs,” Deles said.
September also happens to be the signing of the peace accords with the government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF); the signing of peace agreement with the CPP-NPA-NDF 14 years ago and the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) of the late Fr. Conrado Balweg during the time of President Aquino’s mother, President Corazon C. Aquino.
Deles said the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace process will work closely with the social and security clusters of government to involve as many government instrumentalities in advancing peace and creating awareness on the peace process so that “peace will not just be felt at the negotiating table but also in the communities” where peace is most desired. (PCOO)
Aquino proclaims Eid’l Fitr, Sept. 10, regular holiday
President Benigno S. Aquino III declared Friday, Sept. 10, as a regular holiday throughout the country with the end of Ramadan.
In Proclamation No. 26, the President said since the main date for the celebration of Eid’l Fitr for 2010 has been determined to fall on Sept. 10, the entire Filipino nation “should have the full opportunity to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in observing and celebrating Eid’l Fitr.”
The Proclamation cited its basis for the proclamation as Republic Act 9177 declaring Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Ramadan) as a regular holiday.
Eid’l Fitr is the festival when the Muslims end their holy month of fasting or Ramadhan. (PCOO)
Aquino has power/supervision over Executive Branch, including PNP
Malacañang today said President Benigno S. Aquino III “as Chief Executive has power of, control and supervision over all departments and agencies in the Executive Branch, including the Philippine National Police.”
Presidential Communications Operations Office Chief Secretary Sonny Coloma gave this explanation in an interview over Radyo ng Bayan when asked if the President had control over PNP at the time of the hostage-taking incident last month.
“He did not bypass or override the powers of the National Police Commission when he said he is taking control of the PNP, it is within the context of the exercise of his Chief Executive power,” Coloma explained, adding that the President is not removing any power or any authority from his subordinates.
Asked why the President is taking full responsibility of the hostage incident and in effect taking the blame away from the Department of Interior and Local Government-PNP, Coloma said “this is not an absolution of any official but the President is just emphasizing that he is accountability to the people who elected him.” (PCOO)
Aquino advances genuine public service
President Benigno S. Aquino III exhorted state workers, whom he called “partners” in public service, to advance genuine service to the Filipino people.
In a taped message played over DZRB Saturday, the President said in Pilipino: “I am happy to have you on my side in our continued fight to build a government that would not turn away from its responsibilities to the country.”
The message was made in time for the 110th anniversary of Philippine Civil Service this coming Monday with theme “RACE to Serve: Advancing Responsive, Accessible, Courteous and Effective Public Service.”
“Sa mga nagdaang taong ito, pinilit ninyong tahakin ang tuwid na landas ng tapat at buong pusong paglilingkod sa ating bayan,” the President said.
“Ngayong nasa panig na nating muli ang mamamayan, umaasa ako sa patuloy na pag-alab ng tunay na serbisyo sa ating mga puso,” the President said.
Civil Service Commission Chairman Francisco Duque III, in an interview over Radyo ng Bayan Saturday morning said while the President is not expected to grace this Monday’s anniversary celebration, “the President sent his message to inspire our civil servants once again to give their best service.”
The President lauded the work of some 1.4 million government workers who celebrate September as the Philippine Civil Service month, through Public Law No. 5 of 1900.
This year’s celebration will kick off with a flag raising ceremony to be held simultaneously in all government agencies on Sept. 6 at 8 a.m., after which the President’s video message will be shown, Duque said.
Duque said the bureaucracy needs the right direction, strategy and speed to win the race against mediocrity, graft, corruption, and setbacks caused by limited resources and increased public expectations. (PCOO)
