Aquino welcomes UN offer to assist in probe of graft cases involving AFP
The administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes the initiative of the United Nations (UN) in helping his government to shed light in the ongoing investigations of alleged funds conversion in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
In a press briefing at Malacanang on Tuesday, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda expressed interest on the United Nations’ offer to assist in the probe by various investigating bodies regarding the alleged misuse of UN peacekeeping funds intended for Filipino troops sent to East Timor.
"We welcome that, it will be good for us to determine what happened to the UN peacekeeping funds", Lacierda said.
"We would be more than happy, with the cooperation of UN to provide us with all the necessary avenues to determine where the diversion happened,” he added.
"We are passionate about our anti-corruption promise and part of our commitment is to get to the bottom of corruption allegations in the military", Lacierda said.
UN National Information Officer Teresa Debuque said in a statement that while the alleged diversion of UN funds is a national matter, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) assured that the UN "will assist if requested" by the Philippine government.
Lacierda said the government intends to request for assistance from the UN. (PCOO)
Prudent, meaningful rites for 25th EDSA People Power Revolution
The EDSA People Power Commission has prepared a series of activities to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the People Power Revolution at EDSA in February 1986.
In a press briefing in Malacanang Tuesday, former Government Service Insurance System Chairman and now Commissioner of the People Power Commission Cesar Sarino said the prudent but meaningful celebration aims to rekindle the EDSA spirit of sharing, giving and caring.
Aside from the flag raising ceremony at the People Power Monument at Edsa, an ecumenical mass at Edsa Shrine and the reenactment of the “salubong” where the military and the civilians meet at the Edsa strip, a medical mission at Camp Aguinaldo, sports, entrepreneurial and cultural activities, among others are also lined –up to celebrate the Filipino people’s historic victory against a dictatorship 25 years ago.
The celebration, with the theme “Pilipino Ako, Ako Ang Lakas ng Pagbabago” starts on Feb. 17 and ends on Feb. 27. The activities include launching of books on the People Power Revolution, to photo exhibits, planting of 50,000 trees, unveiling of markers, cultural shows, Freedom Tours and an OPM concert.
On Feb. 23, a 40-hour vigil in 25 churches across the country will start. It will end on Feb. 25.
Highlight of the celebrations is a boodle lunch with President Benigno S. Aquino III and some 2,500 people along the Edsa strip to rekindle the spirit of sharing that transpired 25 years ago. The Edsa strip will be full of food and souvenir stalls on the 25th.
The Philippine Overseas Employment Agency will also hold a job fair featuring 5,000 overseas jobs.
In Malacanang, a Kalayaan Marker will be unveiled on Feb. 26 and the personalities who played significant roles during the Edsa people Power Revolution will be given recognition.
The celebrations end with a People Power Run on the 27th.
The People Power Commission said the activities for the 25th anniversary of People Power will show the world that the Filipinos are once again a “people united. (PCOO)
