Thursday, July 24, 2008 US to Arroyo: Focus more on economic growth
UNITED States Ambassador Kristie Kenney said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo should focus more on the government's economic achievements and the progress of the peace process in Mindanao in her State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday.
During Wednesday's launching of the Case Management Information System (CMIS) at the Supreme Court (SC), Kenney said the government has made some headway in terms of its economic agenda, but efforts have to be continuous.
"I think the President has made a lot of economic reforms, and the Philippine economy has been doing well. That's very important in the world today where there is a lot of difficult issues. I'm hoping she'll tell us more that she's continuing on that important point of her program," she said.
She also said that she would want to hear more about the President's report on the ongoing peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), as well as her leanings toward the suspension of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm) elections on August 11 to pave the way for the peace talks.
"I think that's an issue that should be decided by Philippine authorities. We are hopeful and eager to see a comprehensive peace agreement in Mindanao. I think that will be so important for all citizens of the Philippines, for economic growth, and we are ready to continue to be a dedicated partner in that search. But the matter of elections or when they are held belonged to Philippine authorities," she said.
"I'm hopeful she'll have more words for us as she's been in Mindanao where she oversees the peace process going on," Kenney added.
Arroyo, who is in Shariff Kabunsuan, gave her support to the proposed postponement of the Armm elections following a consultation with stakeholders in the region.
Under the proposal, a bill will be filed by Representative Pax Magundato of the first district of Sultan Kudarat Province with Sulu Representative Yusop Jikiri and Tawi-Tawi Representative Nur Jaafar as co-author. Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri will file a counterpart bill in the Senate.
But the United Opposition said this move was just a "Trojan Horse," meant to extend the term of Arroyo.
In a press statement, UNO spokesman Adel Tamano said the public should be wary about such moves of the administration to call off the peace process negotiations as it is just the first step in a grand scheme to amend the Constitution.
"Unfortunately, even for the MILF, Arroyo has not been negotiating with the Moros in good faith because the proposed creation of the Bangsamoro Judicial Entity will ultimately entail an amendment of the Philippine Constitution, which will be a means to allow the President to stay in power," Tamano said.
He explained that once the bill is passed in Congress, allies of the President can easily amend other provisions of the Charter to pave the way for her extension of office in Malacañang. (ECV/Sunnex)
