Bago ang kanyang pagdalo sa 19th ASEAN Summit sa Bali, Indonesia

From the Website of GPH-Government
Links:  http://www.gov.ph/2011/11/17/statement-of-president-aquino-before-departure-for-the-19th-asean-summit-in-indonesia-november-17-2011/

Pahayag

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Kagalang-galang Benigno S. Aquino III

Pangulo ng Pilipinas

Bago ang kanyang pagdalo sa 19^th ASEAN Summit sa Bali, Indonesia

[Inihayag sa Villamor Airbase noong ika-17 ng Nobyembre 2011]

Vice President Jejomar Binay; His Excellency Yohanes Kristianto Soeryo Legowo, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia; members of the Cabinet present; Mayor Tony Calixto; Representative Emi Calixto-Rubiano; Chief of Staff, General Eduardo Oban; Police Director General Nicanor Bartolome; service commanders present; Admiral Ramon Liwag of the Coastguard; fellow workers in government; honored guests; ladies and gentlemen, good morning.

Matapos po ang matagumpay nating pagdalo sa 19^th APEC [Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation] Economic Leaders Meeting sa Hawaii nitong nakaraang linggo, bibiyahe naman po tayo ngayon sa Indonesia upang dumalo sa 19^th ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] Summit. Bilang isa sa mga tagapagtatag ng organisasyong ito noong 1967, napatunayan na po natin ang halaga ng pagbibigkis ng mga bansa sa Timog-Silangang Asya sa mga aspektong politikal at pangkabuhayan. Lilinangin pa po natin sa pulong na ito ang mayaman nang ugnayan ng mga bansa sa rehiyon, at sama-samang tutugunan ang mga problemang kinakaharap natin sa kasalukuyan.

Kasama ang mga pinuno ng ating mga karatig bayan, tatalakayin po natin ang mga usaping bumabagabag sa rehiyon tulad ng sa kapakanan ng ating migrant workers, trafficking in persons, maritime security, at usaping pangkapayapaan.

Makakasama din natin dito ang mga lider ng iba pang mga bansa gaya ng Tsina, Japan, Korea, India, at Amerika. Susulitin natin ang mga oportunidad na ito upang plantsahin ang anumang gusot sa ating mga bansa at upang patatagin pa ang ating samahan. Sa pakikipagpulong natin sa kanila, paiigtingin po natin ang pagtutulungan natin sa larangan ng maritime security, disaster management, pagsugpo ng mga krimen at terorismo, pangangalaga sa kalikasan, at pakikipagkalakal.

Tiwala tayo sa pagkilala ng buong mundo sa napakagandang pagkakataong mangalakal sa ating bansa, bunsod ng patas at maaliwalas na sistemang pangnegosyong pinaiiral natin sa kasalukuyan. Hindi lang po ang mga negosyante ang makikinabang dito, dahil katumbas ng ipapatayo nilang negosyo ay ang pagbubukas ng oportunidad para sa maraming Pilipinong makapagtrabaho at iangat ang antas ng kanilang pamumuhay.

Ipapaabot din po natin sa Thailand at Cambodia ang ating pakikiramay sa mga biktima ng nangyaring malawakang pagbaha sa kanilang bayan. Alam naman po natin ang hirap at pagdurusa na idinudulot ng ganitong mga kalamidad, lalo pa’t madalas din natin itong maranasan dahil sa kaliwa’t kanang pagbisita ng bagyo sa atin pong bansa. At alam din naman natin na sa mga trahedyang tulad nito, sinusukat ang tibay at tatag ng atin pong bayanihan.

Sa pakikipagtulungan po natin sa ating mga karatig bayan, mapapadali ang pagtugon sa mga problemang nagisnan natin at sa mga umuusbong pang hamon at suliranin sa rehiyon. Sa mga pagkakataon din pong tulad nito, naipapakilala natin ang bagong Pilipinas—malayo sa Pilipinas na binabatikos dahil sa katiwalian at hinahamak ng kahirapan.

Maganda na nga po ang simoy ng hangin sa ating bayan dahil sa malinis nating mga adhikain at mabubuting bunga ng ating pagbabagtas sa tuwid na landas. May tiwala ang mga Pilipino sa ating makabuluhang serbisyo-publiko, at pataas pa nang pataas ang kompiyansa nating umarangkada. Pinapatingkad at pinapalawak po natin ang potensyal ng ating bansa para sa tuloy-tuloy nitong pagbangon at pag-usad. Ipagpapatuloy natin ang puspusang pagsusumikap dito sa ating bayan at sa iba pang bansa upang lalo pang maipakilala ang bagong sigla at umaaliwalas na buhay sa Pilipinas. Sa atin pong pagtutulungan, malayo pa ang ating mararating, at marami tayong maaabot na mga mithiin.

Maraming salamat po. Magandang umaga po sa lahat.

Website of GPH-Government

http://www.gov.ph/


Links:

 http://www.gov.ph/2011/11/17/statement-of-president-aquino-before-departure-for-the-19th-asean-summit-in-indonesia-november-17-2011/

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A November 16, 2011 press release from the Department of Foreign Affairs

From the Website of GPH-Government

Links:  http://www.gov.ph/2011/11/16/philippines-u-s-sign-joint-statement-of-partnership-for-growth/

A November 16, 2011 press release from the Department of Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario and United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton signed the Joint Statement of Principles on the Partnership for Growth (PFG) today in ceremonies at Malacañan Palace.

The signing was witnessed by President Benigno S. Aquino III.

The PFG combines resources of both governments to unlock the constraints to Philippine economic growth.

Under this landmark partnership, the U.S. has mobilized 15 of its agencies to actively engage the Philippine government to draw on their combined technical and institutional resources toward unleashing an economic growth that can lead to a perceptible impact in the economic realities of Filipinos.

“The PFG is a manifestation of the multi-dimensionality of Philippine-U.S. engagement. It also affirms the Aquino administration’s relentless pursuit of a broad-based economic growth towards a direct and perceptible transformation on the quality of life of Filipinos,” Secretary del Rosario said.

Secretary Clinton remarked that “the U.S. values its historic and economic links with the Philippines. By including the Philippines in this dynamic Partnership, the U.S. signals its commitment to an economically stronger Philippines.”

The Philippines is only one of four countries, and the only country in Asia, which was selected by the U.S. to partner with it in this this type of engagement for development. The others are Ghana, El Salvador, and Tanzania.

These pilot countries were chosen due to their sold track record in economic performance, democratic governance, investment in its people, and success on other U.S. government investments.

The PFG is a new initiative of U.S. President Barack Obama’s administration in line with the Policy Directive on Global Development. It emphasizes inclusive  collaboration in a process of joint analysis, joint planning, and joint problem-solving.

dfa.gov.ph

GPH-Government Website


http://www.gov.ph/



Links: 

http://www.gov.ph/2011/11/16/philippines-u-s-sign-joint-statement-of-partnership-for-growth/

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Remedies to obstacles or problems in the GPH-NDFP Peace Negotiations

From the Website of PRWC
Links:  http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/2011/11/remedies-to-obstacles-or-problems-in.html#more

Remedies to obstacles or problems in the GPH-NDFP Peace Negotiations

Brief Presentation to Press Conference, Utrecht, The Netherlands

Prof. Jose Maria Sison
NDFP Chief Political Consultant
November 14, 2011

Let me state to you the remedies that have been used or can be used to overcome or solve 10 major obstacles or problems in the GPH-NDFP peace negotiations.

Let me refer quickly to every obstacle or problem and then state the remedy.

1. Problem of diametrically opposite positions in a civil war

Remedy: The Hague Joint Declaration (THJD) makes it possible for the warring parties, GPH and NDFP, to become negotiating parties. It declares that they are guided by mutually acceptable principles of national sovereignty, democracy and social justice and that there shall be no precondition whatsoever to negate the inherent character and purpose of peace negotiations. Both sides keep their respective political integrity in addressing the roots of the armed conflict by negotiating and agreeing on basic social, economic and political reforms.


2. Problem of safety and immunity guarantees

Remedy: The Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) provides the guarantees for both sides. Safety and immunity guarantees are necessary for the negotiators, consultants, staff and other personnel in the peace negotiations. Safety of such persons, documents and other things is necessary before, during and after the peace negotiations. Immunity ensures that they do not become criminally liable for what they utter or do in connection with the peace negotiations.

3. Problem of venue in view of previous bad experience in the 1986 ceasefire talks

Remedy: The JASIG has stipulated foreign neutral venue, with facilitation of foreign governments. During the ceasefire talks and ceasefire agreement in 1986 and early 1987, the NDFP personnel and allies were put under surveillance by enemy intelligence. Afterwards, a number of them were arrested, tortured and killed. Peace negotiations in a foreign venue do not require mobilization of large security forces by the negotiating parties. They are secure and economical for both sides.

4. Problem of orderly meetings and consultations

Remedy: Ground Rules regarding these have been agreed upon. To mention some of the rules, the chairpersons are responsible for the conduct of their respective panels and consultants and they co-preside the formal meetings. The chairpersons of the panels, teams or representatives thereof can engage in informal meetings and consultations to facilitate the formal meetings. The third party facilitator is in charge of hosting and providing necessities for the talks and can attend the formal meetings.

5. Problem of having substantive agenda towards a just and lasting peace

Remedy: THJD requires addressing the roots of the armed conflict by negotiating and forging agreements on basic social, economic and political reforms and sets forth the substantive agenda: Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (already done); Social and Economic Reforms; Political and Constitutional Reforms; and End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces. There is the Joint Agreement on the Formation, Sequence and Operationalization of the Reciprocal Working Committees for making the tentative agreements before finalization by the negotiating panels. After a comprehensive agreement is approved by the panels, it is submitted to their respective principals for approval.

6. Problem of legal and judicial framework

Remedy: The CARHRIHL has used as main frame of reference the international conventions on human rights and international humanitarian law and the negotiating panels adhere to their respective constitutions. The prospective CASER avails of international conventions and the negotiating panels adhere to their respective constitutions. The prospective CAPCR will be guided by international law and will seek to make a new constitution on the basis of the constitutions of the GPH and NDFP and create new political mechanisms. The prospective EHDF will also be guided by international law and by a new constitution agreed upon by the GPH and NDFP.

7. Problem of violations of JASIG and CARHRIHL

Remedy: The NDFP has constantly demanded that justice be rendered to the JASIG-protected negotiating personnel who have been subjected to imprisonment, torture and extrajudicial killings. The refusal of GPH to heed the demand for justice and the immediate release of the JASIG protected prisoners can be a just ground for the NDFP to withdraw from the peace negotiations but still the NDFP continues to demand and wait for the GPH to comply with JASIG. Like the entire people and the human rights, peace and religious organizations, the NDFP is demanding the release of more than 350 political prisoners who have been tortured and imprisoned on trumped up charges of common crimes in violation of CARHRIHL, particularly the Hernandez political offense doctrine. The Aquino regime condones the human rights violations perpetrated under the Arroyo regime and is perpetrating its own. The NDFP has the just ground to withdraw from the peace negotiations because the Aquino regime does not comply with the JASIG and CARHRIHL.

8. Problem of demagogic demands for ceasefire to draw attention away from the roots of the armed conflict

Remedy: NDFP has offered truce and alliance on the basis of a general declaration of common intent in the spirit of encouraging and accelerating the peace negotiations. Such offer is intended by the NDFP to counter the frequent demagogic demand of the GPH which obfuscates the need for addressing the roots of the armed conflict and tries to push the NDFP towards a position of surrender and pacification. But if the GPH seriously takes the offer, then there can be an immediate truce and alliance in general terms that will certainly encourage and accelerate the forging of the three remaining comprehensive agreements on SER, PCR and EHDF.

9. Problem of GPH undermining and seeking to nullify the THJD, the JASIG and even the CARHRIHL

Remedy: NDFP simply has to uphold the existing joint agreements in opposition to the efforts of the GPH to undermine and nullify them. The peace negotiations will not move forward or will even be terminated if the GPH does not remove the clique of clerico-fascists, military hawks and crooks that are in control of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. Such clique is most responsible for the efforts to cast away the THJD on the false argument that it is a document of perpetual division, that the JASIG does not involve obligations but is only a matter of discretion for the GPH and that the CARHRIHL is not binding and effective, despite the approval of the principals. The current OPAPP has become notorious for attacking existing agreements with the NDFP or with the MILF. It is preoccupying itself with racketeering activities in connivance with certain paramilitary groups like the CPLA and the RPA-ABB which are misrepresented as rebel groups.

10. Problem of the Oplan Bayanihan, including US intervention and interference in the peace negotiations.

Remedy: NDFP exposes the US-designed Oplan Bayanihan as a military campaign plan masquerading as a peace and development campaign. We call on all peace-loving people to demand that the GPH, particularly the Aquino regime, engage in serious peace negotiations and build a just and lasting peace with the NDFP on the agreements already made. 

According to Oplan Bayanihan, the peace negotiations are merely a fig leaf on the naked brute force of the state. The GPH is supposed to use sham peace negotiations if only to reinforce the psywar misrepresentation of the military campaign of suppression as peace and development operations. The NDFP advises the GPH to engage in serious peace negotiations because the revolutionary forces are ready to frustrate the GPH strategy of deception and violence.

PRWC Website

http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/



Links: 

http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/2011/11/remedies-to-obstacles-or-problems-in.html#more

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Status and obstacles to the resumption of peace negotiations

From the Website of PRWC
Links:  http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/2011/11/status-and-obstacles-to-resumption-of.html#more

Status and obstacles to the resumption of peace negotiations

LUIS G. JALANDONI
Chairperson, NDFP Negotiating Panel
14 November 2011

Since 1969, for 42 years, there has been an armed conflict in the Philippines, between the armed forces of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the revolutionary forces represented by the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

After the dictator Ferdinand Marcos was overthrown in 1986, ceasefire talks were held in 1986 in Manila, resulting in a 60-day ceasefire agreement. Panels of the GRP and NDFP began talks to set an agenda for substantive peace negotiations. After the massacre of peasants marching for land reform in January 1987, these talks collapsed.

In 1992, preliminary talks were resumed to lay the ground for peace negotiations and gave birth to The Hague Joint Declaration. The formal peace negotiations began in Brussels in 1995. Since 1992, twelve bilateral agreements have been forged between the GRP and the NDFP.

The NDFP engages in peace negotiations in order to address the roots of the armed conflict. Land reform to benefit the peasantry, who comprise 75% of the population of 94 million; national industrialization to develop the backward agrarian economy and harness the rich natural resources; these and other basic reforms are aimed for by the NDFP in the peace talks.

The Hague Joint Declaration of 1992 stipulates the substantive agenda of human rights and international humanitarian law, socio-economic reforms, political and constitutional reforms and end of hostilities and disposition of forces. It is the framework agreement, declaring that principles of national sovereignty, democracy and social justice shall guide the two Parties. Neither Party may impose its constitution. Capitulation may not be demanded.

In 1995, the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) was signed. This is vitally important because it guarantees safety and immunity to all participants in the peace process from both Parties. The guarantees include safe and unhindered passage in all areas in the Philippines and immunity from surveillance, arrest, detention and other punitive actions.

In 1998, the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) was completed. This is the first of the four substantive agenda. This requires both Parties to observe the highest standards of HR and IHL, such as those contained in the Geneva Conventions. A Joint Monitoring Committee is mandated by the CARHRIHL to monitor the implementation of CARHRIHL.

All three agreements, as with other agreements, were approved by the respective Principals of both Parties.

In 2001 the Royal Norwegian Government came in as Third Party Facilitator.
Last February 2011, formal peace talks resumed in Norway after almost seven years of impasse under the Arroyo regime. Both Parties agreed that all or most of the 17 NDFP Consultants detained by the GRP/GPH in violation of the JASIG must be released.
GPH refusal to release them has been a major obstacle to resumption of peace talks because without compliance with JASIG, the panelists and consultants cannot function. Respect for JASIG is needed to build confidence.

The next talks aim to take up socio-economic, political and constitutional reforms.
An offer of the NDFP for alliance and truce, presented last January, has so far no adequate and concrete response from GPH President Aquino. The offer is based on a 10-point program expressing the fundamental aspirations of the Filipino people for land reform, national industrialization, genuine national independence and democracy.

A very serious obstacle is the GPH's undermining of basic bilateral agreements. In February, the GPH Panel, for the first time ever, attacked The Hague Joint Declaration as a document of perpetual division. It has also declared that the JASIG does not require compliance. It is only at their whim that they shall release detained NDFP consultants covered by the JASIG. It refuses to release the 350 political prisoners in accordance with the clear directive of the CARHRIHL.

Instead of complying with basic agreements, the GPH engages in continuous, vicious, deceptive and even simplistic propaganda attacks against the NDFP and avoids or refuses to seriously sit down and tackle the questions and issues on social, economic and political reforms. It perpetrates widespread human rights violations and has not effectively staved off the climate of impunity.

A huge obstacle is the US government. Its Counter Insurgency Guide of 2009 is followed by the Aquino regime in its Internal Security Plan, Oplan Bayanihan. This aims to militarily defeat the New People's Army through the triad concept of combat, intelligence and civil-military operations. Furthermore, the US stations interventionist troops in the Philippines.

The NDFP is firmly committed to pursue peace negotiations that address the roots of the armed conflict. It is determined to overcome the problems and difficulties with effective remedies. It is resolute in its decision to carry forward the people's struggle for national and social liberation.

Website of PRWC

http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/


Links:

 http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/2011/11/status-and-obstacles-to-resumption-of.html#more

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Ang Kasarinlan at Pagbabago

Ang Kasarinlan at Pagbabago

By Herbert Curia

Kahirapan!!! Kahirapan!!! Ang isinisigaw ng mga dukha, mahihirap, sila’y nanlilimahid sa gutom at pawang kapus palad. Iyan ang aming hinagpis sa buhay sa bansang ito……Sino ang tutulong at magaahon samin sa kinasasadlakang ito?…….Ano ba ang pagunlad at paano ito matatamo sa isang lipunang may Gobyernong Namamahala…..

Sino kami sa Bansang ito pawang pulubi at kapus palad at maralita kami ba ay may puwang pa sa mundong ito at gumalaw ng may pagasa at maayos na buhay….. ito ang palaging tanong ng mga maralitang Pilipino na ating makakasalamuha sa lansangan, May  mga nakikibaka sa pagbabago upang makaahon sa sumpa ng katatayuang ito, May nagbabakasakali sa mundong ginagalawan na baka swertihin at palarin, May nawalan na ng pagasa at kumakapit sa patalim upang mabuhay ang iba’y tinakbuhan na ng ulirat sa kaisipan, Paano tayo susulong upang makamit ang pagasa at tagumpay…

Pambansang Demokrasyasigaw ng ilan, makibaka at makipaglaban sa Pambansang Demokrasya upang makamtan at Makita pa natin ang maayos na hinaharap…..Tayo ay susulong at uunlad kung maninindigan sa Pambansang Demokrasya, paninindigan para sa kalayaan at sariling kapasyahan upang matamo ang pagbabago at kasarinlan at makaahon sa sumpa ng kahirapan.  

Anong pagbabago sa pakikibaka ng Pambansang Demokrasya kung tayo ay papaslangin ng mga ganid sa tungkulin at mga namumunong sila lamang ang nakikinabang sa bansang Pilipinas.  Sakripisyo ang kanilang sigaw para sa pagbabago at kasarinlan at kinabukasan ng ating mga saling lahi upang makamit ang tagumpay at makaahon sa sumpa ng kahirapan at di pantay na karapatan at kaapihan sa kamay ng mapangaping uri. Hirap, Dugo at Pawis at buhay ay handang iaalay upang makamit ang parehas na pamumuhay…..   

Gumising at makibaka magkaisa tungo sa pagunlad at tutulan ang mga hindi pantay na Pamamahala at mga pamamalakad.  Ipaglaban ang karapatan para sa kapakanan ng bawat isa, Ipaglaban ang Pambansang Demokrasya ito ang sigaw sa EDSA ng mga maralita at kapus palad at naglalayon ng pagbabago at kasarinlan…..

Nakakaawa ang Bansang Pilipinas sa kamay ng mapang-aping uri, mga Burukrata kapitalista at mga dayuhang kumokontrol sa ating bayan. Walang makain namamatay sa kahirapan at nagugutom, pinapasalang sa kahirapan at sa nais na pagbabago at pakikipaglaban ng wasto at karapatan. Anong sumpa mayroon ang bansang ito at dumadanas ng ganitong paghihirap at pighati.  Ang digmaan ay magkabilang panig at ipinaglalaban ang kanilang layon na sa kanila’y wasto at pagbabago. 

Alin nga ba ang wasto o pangkalahatang kabutihan, ang Pulitika nino, pulitika ba ni Pedro ni Juan o Pulitika ko!!!!, Pulitika ng mayaman o mahirap sino ang tama at wasto?…….Ang bawat isay nagsasabing silay wasto at tama, tama nga ba sila?……Sino ang aking susundin at tatangkilikin sinong pulitika? Akoy isang hamak at gutom na pinoy lamang paano ko pa malalaman ang pulitikang ito kundi isaisip ko ang paglaman ng kalam ng aking sikmura maging ano pa mang paraan iyan ang palaging daing at katwiran ng iilan. Sabagay ay may punto kahit mali at tayong may mga isip at mataas ang antas ng kaisipan at katatayuan sa buhay na mulat at kayang imulat ang kaisipan sa ating lipunan ay ating simulan at punuan ito upang tayo ang maging ehemplo ng pagbabago at kasarinlan…..

Sanay maging matagumpay ang naglalayon ng tunay na wasto at mabuti para sa lahat at ang patnubay ng Diyos ay palaging sumakanila….. naway makamtan ng Lipunang Pilipino at Bansang ito ang tunay na pagkakaisa para sa tunay na pamumuhay…… 

Ano mang Pulitika kung ito ay magbibigay ng pagbabago at kasarinlan at tunay at pantay na pamumuhay sa bansang ito ay sanay pagkalooban ito ng lakas at biyaya upang isulong ito……

Ang Patnubay ng Diyos ay suma ating lahat……sa mga Pilipino at buong mundo…..

Pagbabago at kasarinlan sa Bansang Pilipino

Promote Human Rights

This Story and Message are for courage and unity for every Filipino to see the Right Politics on the Poverty situations in the Philippine Archipelago and fight for the Change and Freedom…….

End……..  

By: Herbert Curia

      Story and ideas of Changes and Freedom

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From the Website of PRWC
Links:  http://www.opapp.gov.ph/news/deles-miracles-are-waiting-happen-peace-talks

Deles: Miracles are waiting to happen in peace talks

Manila, Nov. 11 – “I persist in believing – that on the peace table are miracles waiting to happen.”

Albeit challenges in the peace process, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles remains hopeful that government's efforts in the negotiating table will soon bear fruit.

She said that the peace negotiations with the MILF and the CPP-NPA-NDF are still on track. “Discussions are still happening. We have issues on the tables, but neither has said no, tapos na ito (this is finished). Miracles will happen at the table,” she said.

Further, Deles thanked the public for its support to the government’s peace efforts, particularly in conflict areas where aid is needed the most.

Deles, along with government peace panel chairs Marvic Leonen and Alexander Padilla, who are negotiating with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), respectively, faced the media at a peace forum held on Wednesday at the Gateway Suites in Cubao, Quezon City.

The forum was held to shed light on the emerging issues surrounding the peace process, as well as garner media support to the advocacy of peace.

MILF talks moving forward

Of late, issues have been hounding the peace process with the MILF, but Leonen affirmed that both parties are still committed to the process. In fact, informal talks were recently held in Kuala Lumpur where both parties agreed to formally meet again “very soon.”

“In spite of what has happened on the ground, both parties decided that it’s time to move forward on the substantive agenda,” he said.

Leonen also clarified some issues particularly on the P5-million funding assistance given to the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI), a training center whose establishment has been agreed by the government and the MILF during the 10th formal exploratory talks held in February 2006 in Port Dickson, Malaysia.

On this, Leonen reiterated that the check, which was a commitment from the government to jumpstart the institute’s operations, was granted to the BLMI, not to the Moro group.

Commenting on Rep. Pastor Alcover Jr.’s plan to file an impeachment complaint against President Benigno Aquino III for allegedly violating the Constitution and betraying public funds by giving such amount to the MILF, Leonen said: “I’m not sure on what basis it is an impeachable offense, but it is something that the administration should be congratulated for because it is recognizing the need to capacitate Moros to become good leaders,” he said.

On the matter of MILF fugitive commander Dan Laksaw Asnawi, whom the MILF has refused to surrender to government authorities, Leonen declined to comment on the ongoing operations. “We will leave the statement to the military. Suffice it to say, there is a difference in opinion between the government and the MILF.”

Asnawi is allegedly involved in the ambush and killing of 23 soldiers in Basilan in 2007.

“We have a warrant of arrest on Asnawi,” he continued. “But regarding the facts on the incident, dadaanin na lang natin sa (we will course them through the) CCCH.”

When asked if there is a possibility for peace talks to collapse should the MILF fail to surrender Asnawi, Leonen answered: “We will deal with it when it happens. I cannot speculate.”

Dialogue with reds not suspended

Usec. Padilla, on the other hand, affirmed that talks with the CPP-NPA-NDF are not suspended despite continuous attacks by the NPA on civilian and military targets.

“I don’t want to say that talks are indefinitely suspended. We never suspended the talks. We are still open to negotiations especially on socio-economic reforms,” he said. “In fact, the Royal Norwegian Government (RNG) has been shuttling back and forth working on the continuation of the talks. It is ongoing but there is no meeting date yet.”

The NDFP has been demanding the release of its detained alleged consultants before agreeing to meet the GPH panel. “The RNG had arranged for talks to happen on November 2 but two weeks before that, the NDFP released a statement that they won’t engage in peace talks without the release of their consultants. This is a serious violation of the agreement we reached in the Oslo talks in February and the Hague Declaration,” Padilla related.

He added that out of 18 names in the NDF's priority list of consultants they want released, the government has already released five as confidence building measure. But the GPH panel has received reports that one of them has returned to the underground.

Padilla said the government has never closed its doors to the possible release of detained NDFP consultants. “If there will be any releases, it will surely be a confidence building measure, but we hope to see this also on the part of the NDFP,” he said, stressing that the government is seriously considering the possibility of proposing a ceasefire with the communist group.

PRWC Websites:

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 http://www.opapp.gov.ph/news/deles-miracles-are-waiting-happen-peace-talks

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CPP doubts peace agreement to be reached by 2012 due to Aquino intransingence

From website of PRWC
Links:  http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/2011/11/cpp-doubts-peace-agreement-to-be.html#more

CPP doubts peace agreement to be reached by 2012 due to Aquino intransingence

Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines
November 10, 2011

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today said it is becoming "increasingly doubtful" that a peace agreement between the Philippine government (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) will be reached by 2012 or any time within Benigno Aquino III's term.

The CPP issued this reaction after GPH chief negotiator Alexander Padilla said yesterday that the GPH has moved its target of forging an agreement with the NDFP to the end of next year, instead of June 2012.

"It is becoming increasingly doubtful that the GPH will succeed in forging a peace agreement with the NDFP due to its adamant refusal to comply with its standing obligations, particularly its commitment in January, February and September to release the detained consultants of the NDFP covered by the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG)," said the CPP.

"There remain at least 13 NDFP consultants who are being detained in military and police camps," pointed out the CPP. "How can the GPH expect the NDFP to sit down in peace negotiations when a significant number of its representatives who are supposed to participate in the talks are being kept behind bars by the GPH?"

"The release of the JASIG-protected consultants of the NDF is a matter of palabra de honor on the part of the GPH," said the CPP. "This year alone, the GPH has made the committment to release the NDF consultants in at least three occasions, the last of which was made last September in a meeting hosted by the representative of the Norwegian government. Now it is reneging on those commitments."

"If the GPH expects to forge a peace agreement, whether with the NDFP or the MILF, it will have to prove itself capable of keeping its promises and its complying with its commitments," said the CPP. "In both the peace talks with the NDFP and with the MILF, the GPH is showing itself incapable of fulfilling its obligations, thus making a mockery of the negotiations."

"The GPH's conduct in its peace negotiations with the NDFP shows that it is not really interested in forging a political settlement that would resolve the fundamental socio-economic and political concerns that lie at the root of the armed conflict," said the CPP. "It is becoming increasingly clear that Aquino has a very myopic view of peace negotiations with the NDFP and deems them useful only if they effect the pacification and surrender of the revolutionary forces."

"Aquino is demonstrating clearly that he does not understand what just and lasting peace is," said the CPP. "His regime's policies, which have not deviated from the past policy-impositions of the IMF and Word Bank show that he is not interested in addressing poverty and unemployment, in achieving social justice and empowering the people under a progressive and genuinely democratic political system."

"While confining the peace negotiations to a narrow side alley, Aquino is widening the road of war for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)," added the CPP. "Under the Aquino regime's Oplan Bayanihan, its armed forces have been given free rein to conduct brutal military operations in the countryside."

"There is a renewed campaign of extrajudicial killings with at least one victim killed every ten days since Aquino assumed power," said the CPP. "The political, economic, civil and cultural rights of hundreds of thousands of people, especially in the countryside are daily being trampled on by the AFP in the conduct of its so-called 'peace missions' which achieve nothing but the 'peace of the silenced'."

"Aquino's road of war, however, will only lead to greater resistance and can only steel the people's determination to wage revolutionary struggle."

PRWC Website


http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/



Links: 

http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/2011/11/cpp-doubts-peace-agreement-to-be.html#more

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ILPS condemns TPPA as US scheme to further control Trans-Pacific trade

From the Website of ILPS
Links:  http://www.ilps.info/joomsite/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=418:ilps-condemns-tppa-as-us-scheme-to-further-control-trans-pacific-trade&catid=45:public-statements-and-calls-to-action&Itemid=57

ILPS condemns TPPA as US scheme to further control Trans-Pacific trade

Saturday, 29 October 2011 23:00

By Prof. JOSE MARIA SISON
Chairperson, International League of Peoples' Struggle

The International League of Peoples' Struggle resolutely condemns the drive of the US government and its monopoly capitalists to realize the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) as a scheme to impose their power over trade and investment flows. This would aggravate the exploitation of the working people and the environment as a way of raising superprofits and seeking to cope with the grave economic, social and economic crisis.


The TPPA was initiated by the Bush regime. Since March 2010, negotiations have been proceeded, with the objective of creating a a legally-binding free trade agreement for the Asia-Pacific region. Right now, the TPPA talks involve nine countries – the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Brunei, Peru, Chile, Viet Nam, Malaysia and Singapore. Japan is poised to join. The USA has free trade agreements (FTAs) with four of the nine countries.

The TPPA is conceived of as an economic dimension of the growing US confrontation with China. This is a confrontation which is a growing danger to world peace. Peoples’ organizations in the nine countries covered by the TPPA have therefore agreed to expose and oppose the callous and unjust demands of the US corporations and the US Trade Representative regarding the TPPA.

At first, the talks on the TPPA advanced when the US delegation put forward specific text, revealing that the entire TPPA process is US-driven. Delays arose when the US Trade Representative waited for the FTAs of the US with Colombia, Panama and South Korea to be ratified by the US Congress.

What are the objectives of the US corporations in the TPPA?

These are: 1) to subordinate the health and medicines policies of all o
ther countries to the demands of giant US pharmaceutical companies, including the extension of patent rights to allow the charging of higher prices for a longer period, and restrictions on the right of governments to control prices for medicines; 2)to require that all government procurement be open to US corporations – no local content or local training polices; 3) to require that all media policies that support local cultural content be abolished, allowing complete domination by US media corporations; 4) to impose US copyright law on all other countries – greatly extended copyright and royalty payments which greatly favour US corporations; 5) to make internet service providers criminally liable for any copyright piracy on their networks; and 6) to demand tariff-free access for US exports into all markets, while limiting corresponding access to US markets.

What would be the result?

This neo-liberal over-reach by the giant US corporations would deliver a disastrous blow on jobs, health, and freedom of communications and information in the entire Asia-Pacific region.

The just response to these outrageous dictates of US monopoly capitalism is for the people to mobilize themselves and and protest! And the people's protests have taken place in Auckland New Zealand, Chicago and Peru, three of the sites of negotiating rounds.
The people's campaign has been effective. The initial objective was for the TPPA deal to be signed by November 2011, and unveiled at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leader Summit in Honolulu as the blueprint for all member economies, including most of the ASEAN nations, Russia and China. But now that won't happen.

Instead some kind of progress report may be given to APEC and then talks will proceed into 2012. The opposition of trade union, health and media sectors to the US corporations in the US itself and in other countries has delayed this obnoxious scheme. The ILPS is determined to work vigorously in cooperation with other forces in order to expand and intensify the people's protest movement against the TPPA.

ILPS Websites

http://www.ilps.info/joomsite/


Links:

 http://www.ilps.info/joomsite/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=418:ilps-condemns-tppa-as-us-scheme-to-further-control-trans-pacific-trade&catid=45:public-statements-and-calls-to-action&Itemid=57

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Top UN officials stress need to boost protection of civilians in armed conflict

From the Website of United Nations
Links:  http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=40344&Cr=protection+of+civilians&Cr1=

Top UN officials stress need to boost protection of civilians in armed conflict

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addresses Security Council meeting on Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict

9 November 2011 – Top United Nations officials today stressed the need to do more to protect civilians who are increasingly bearing the brunt of the various conflicts taking place around the world, as well as enhance accountability to hold perpetrators to account.

“All of us share a fundamental responsibility to do more to protect civilians caught up in the horrors of war,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in his remarks to the Security Council’s open debate on the issue.

He noted that in conflicts worldwide, women, girls, boys and men continue to be subjected to blatant and frequent violation of international human rights and humanitarian law, including killing, torture, kidnapping, rape and mutilation.

All of us share a fundamental responsibility to do more to protect civilians caught up in the horrors of war

“Let us remember that civilians suffer such horrors not because they are in the wrong place at the wrong time and become what is still euphemistically referred to as ‘collateral damage.’ Civilians suffer more and more frequently because they are deliberately targeted,” said Mr. Ban.

He highlighted five priorities regarding the protection of civilians in armed conflict, beginning with enhanced compliance with international human rights and humanitarian law, and more consistently and effectively engaging non-State armed groups to improve their compliance with the law. 

Also crucial is pro-active, well-trained and appropriately resourced peacekeepers; improved humanitarian access to affected populations; and enhanced accountability.

While protection is essential, the Secretary-General added, it is important not to lose sight of the need to address the causes of conflict, not just its symptoms. 

“Humanitarian actors can contribute to the survival of affected populations. Ultimately, though, only political solutions can end and prevent the vast majority of conflicts and ensure the safety and well-being of those who would otherwise bear the brunt,” he stated. 

The Council expects to hear from around 50 speakers during its day-long debate. Among them was High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, who stressed that where national authorities fail to investigate credible allegations of the most serious violations, it is incumbent on the international community to “rigorously establish the facts.” 

Over the last two decades, the High Commissioner’s office (OHCHR) has supported more than 30 commissions of inquiry and similar mechanisms, which she said provide a solid basis to inform international action and national processes on justice, truth and reconciliation. She encouraged the Council to play a more active role in securing follow-up to their recommendations. 

The Council also has an important role to play in ensuring practical arrangements to secure accountability, the establishment of facts, the identification and prosecution of perpetrators, and, importantly, the right to reparation for gross violations of human rights, she added.

“Without it, impunity emboldens perpetrators and breeds more violations that will undermine peace and progress,” said Ms. Pillay.

The High Commissioner touched on a number of situations around the world, ranging from civilian deaths in Afghanistan to ongoing violent clashes in South Sudan. She voiced concern that the killing of civilians has not stopped in Syria, where the death toll since March has now passed 3,500. 

Ms. Pillay noted that while the Syrian Government has made commitments to stop the violence, “we have to see actual progress on the ground.” A human rights monitoring presence can help ensure that, she added.

“The international community must insist that the Government end the killing of civilians, release all those arbitrarily detained for their peaceful protest and finally provide full and unimpeded access to the International Commission of Inquiry, which was established by the Human Rights Council,” she stated.

Catherine Bragg, the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, also voiced concern at events in Syria, where the situation falls short of armed conflict but military operations are exacting a “heavy toll.” She also described an array of other situations where violations of humanitarian and human rights law are being perpetuated.

“Equally common to most of these situations is a failure to hold accountable those responsible for such violations and to provide any form of justice or redress for their victims,” she said in remarks delivered on behalf of UN humanitarian chief Valerie Amos.

“This failure of accountability has to end,” she stated. “We cannot continue to ignore war crimes and serious violations of human rights law in conflict. Nor can we ignore the need to ensure that victims see justice and reparations for the wrongs they have suffered…

“We must do more to advance the protection of civilians and ensure progress where it most matters – in the midst of conflict.”

UN Websites:

http://www.un.org/


Links:

  http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=40344&Cr=protection+of+civilians&Cr1=

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Bago ang kanyang pagdalo sa 19th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting

From the Website of the GPH - Government of the Philippines
Links:  http://www.gov.ph/2011/11/11/departure-statement-of-president-aquino-before-attending-the-19th-apec-economic-leaders-meeting-november-11-2011/

Pahayag

ng

Kagalang-galang Benigno S. Aquino III

Pangulo ng Pilipinas

Bago ang kanyang pagdalo sa 19^th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting

[Inihayag sa NAIA Terminal 2 noong ika-11 ng Nobyembre 2011]

Magandang hapon po. Maupo po tayong lahat.

Unang una po, bumabati ako ng happy birthday kay Vice President Jejomar Binay—batambata po sa araw na ito. [Applause] Marami po siyang hinanda; dumalo lang po kayo sa kanya. Ako po’y ikain na lang n’yo. [Laughter] 

Ating kagalang-galang na miyembro ng gabinete, Senator Drilon; Mayor Tony Calixto; Representative Emi Calixto-Rubiano; Chief of Staff General Eduardo Oban; Police General Nick Bartolome; Admiral Ramon Liwag of the Coast Guard; Lieutenant General Oscar Rabena of the Airforce; Vice Admiral Alexander Pama of the Navy; Major General Emmanuel Bautista of the Philippine Army; honored guests; fellow workers in government; ladies and gentlemen:

Good afternoon.

Ngayong hapon, luluwas po tayo patungong Estados Unidos upang dumalo sa 19^th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting sa Honolulu, Hawaii. Sa loob ng mahigit dalawang dekada, naging entablado na ang APEC para sa mga bansa sa Asya-Pasipiko, hindi lamang para maiangat ang estado ng kani-kaniyang mga nasyon, ngunit upang makaambag din sa pagsusulong sa pangkalahatang ekonomiya ng rehiyon.

Pangunahing tungkulin ng inyong lingkod na tiyaking matatag at tuloy-tuloy ang pag-unlad ng ating pambansang ekonomiya. At taon-taon, ang serye ng mga pagpupulong na ito ay naglalatag ng magandang pagkakataon upang makipag-uganayan sa mga pinuno mula sa Asya-Pasipiko at matalakay ang mga inisyatibang maghahatid sa atin palapit sa kaunlaran. Higit pang mahalaga ang pakikiisa natin sa APEC sa taong ito dahil naaapektuhan din tayo ng mga problemang kinakaharap ng ilang mga nasyon sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo, gaya ng malawakang rebolusyon sa Gitnang Silangan, o ang paghina ng ekonomiya ng Estados Unidos at Europa—mga bansang akala natin ay di-kailanman matitinag. Bawat estratehiya, mungkahi at kaalaman na makakalap natin sa APEC ay maaari nating gamitin upang solusyunan ang mga suliranin sa ating bansa, at isulong ang interes ng ating mga kababayan. Ilan sa mga paksang inaasahan nating matututukan dito, at layon nating mapagbuti, ay ang seguridad ng ating ekonomiya, ang mainam na paggamit ng enerhiya, at ang paglikha ng mga karagdagang trabaho.

Ikalawang pagkakataon po ng ating administrasyon na makibahagi sa APEC, at tulad noong nakaraang taon, hangad nating lalo pang mapatibay ang ating relasyon sa ibang mga bayan. Kasabay nito, mabubuksan ding muli ang pinto upang maipakilala ng ating pamahalaan ang panibagong liwanag na tumatanglaw sa Pilipinas—mas bukas at maaliwalas sa kalakal at pamumuhunan, at mas handang makipagbayanihan sa mga katuwang na bansa sa rehiyon.

Sa tatlong araw nating pamamalagi sa Hawaii, inaabangan din natin ang mahahalagang pagpupulong kasama ang mga pinuno ng ibang bansa, partikular na kay Punong Ministro ng Australia na si Julia Gillard.

Hindi estranghero sa Hawaii ang lahing Pilipino. Kaya naman, nananabik din tayong kamustahin ang mga kababayan nating nasa Hawaii at makibalita sa kanilang kalagayan doon.

Tulad ng ibang mga bansang kasapi ng APEC, layon din nating magkaroon ng isang nagkakaisang rehiyon, na tumatahak sa landas patungo sa mas masaganang kinabukasan. Sa pagbalik po natin dito sa Pilipinas sa darating na Martes, tiwala akong uuwi tayo nang may mas matibay na ugnayan sa mga karatig-bansa at may bitbit na mas maraming pagkakataon para sa atin pong mga minamahal na kababayan.

Maraming maraming salamat po. Magandang hapon po sa lahat.

Website of GPH

http://www.gov.ph/


Links:

http://www.gov.ph/2011/11/11/departure-statement-of-president-aquino-before-attending-the-19th-apec-economic-leaders-meeting-november-11-2011/

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Anti-people neoliberal dogma in G20 Summit means aggravation of global economic crisis

From Website of ILPS

links:  http://www.ilps.info/joomsite/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=417:anti-people-neoliberal-dogma-in-g20-summit-means-aggravation-of-global-economic-crisis&catid=45:public-statements-and-calls-to-action&Itemid=57

Anti-people neoliberal dogma in G20 Summit means aggravation of global economic crisis

Thursday, 27 October 2011 18:00

By Prof. JOSE MARIA SISON
Chairperson, International League of Peoples' Struggle 

The G20 summit is to be held in Cannes, France on November 3 and 4. Assisted by their finance ministers and heads of central banks, the heads of governments of the world’s twenty largest economies are supposed to confront once more the global economic and financial crisis and seek solutions.

As in previous summits, they will fail to solve the crisis, bound as they are by the laws of motion of capitalism and imperialism and by the neoliberal dogma. They are driven by the profit-making interest of the monopoly bourgeoisie and financial oligarchy and continue to pass the burden of the crisis to the broad masses of the people.

Public funds in trillions have been used to bail out the big banks and corporations from the crisis of their own making and to wage wars of aggression to please the military-industrial complex. They have brought about spikes and plunges in the financial markets but have not stimulated civil production and employment. As a result, public deficits and public debts have mounted. And now the public debt bubble is bursting in a number of the G20 member-countries, especially the US and certain EU countries.

Solving the crisis of overproduction and the extreme abuse of finance capital is beyond the purview of the G20 summiteers, especially because of their neoliberal blinders. They are now most concerned with the problem of debt defaults plaguing major capitalist countries, including the U.S. and those in the European Union, and still many others.

Apparently their main objective is to contain the threats of default by further pushing austerity measures at the expense of the people. These measures, which include tax hikes for the people and tax cuts for the corporations and the wealthy, pressing down of wages, cutting back on pensions and social benefits, reducing social services and public sector employment and rising fees for social services, can only aggravate the economic and financial crisis.

We anticipate the G20 summit to come out with further plans to skirt the fundamental problems of capitalism and imperialism, to further exploit the people under the auspices of the IMF, World Bank and the WTO and thus to aggravate the crisis. The imperialist powers will impose themselves on the rest of the summitteers and defeat or coopt any contrary view from the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).

The G20 summit is held at a time that the dominant imperialist powers are gloating over their success at conquering Libya and taking over its oil resources with the use of barbaric air attacks in combination with their Libyan puppets and rabble brigades directed by NATO special forces. They are expected to dance over the graves of close to a hundred thousand Libyan people massacred by NATO bombs and puppet butchers under the pretext of humanitarian intervention and protecting civilians.

They are poised to claim the mass uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa.as the victory of their brand of democracy as well as the invincibility of capitalism. They will once more go through the ritual of shedding crocodile tears over Africa and all the impoverished and underdeveloped countries of the world now further brought down by global depression.

The US and other imperialist powers are carried away by their wanton use of financial means and hightech weapons of mass destruction to destroy the lives, homes and social infrastructure of peoples with impunity. They are oblivious of the fact that the world capitalist system is practically falling apart because of its grave crisis, bankruptcies, state terrorism and wars of aggression as well as the rising wave of people's resistance driven by the needs and aspirations for national and social liberation.

We, the International League of Peoples' Struggle, call on our member-organizations, all allied forces and the broad masses of the people to take up all the urgent issues against imperialism and reaction, further strengthen themselves organizationally, occupy the public squares and the major streets and undertake all other forms and means of mass mobilization. We must intensify resistance and build the movement for national liberation, democracy and socialism.

ILPS Website

http://www.ilps.info/joomsite/

links:

http://www.ilps.info/joomsite/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=417:anti-people-neoliberal-dogma-in-g20-summit-means-aggravation-of-global-economic-crisis&catid=45:public-statements-and-calls-to-action&Itemid=57

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