Contact Details

Rm. N-411, House of Representatives, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
+63 2 931 5497, +63 2 931 5001 local 7370

I reiterate the call for the President to tell the people

Press Statements
  • Office of Minority Leader Edcel C. Lagman
  • 0916-6406737 / 0918-9120137
  • 07 August 2011

 

          While the furtive presidential trip to Tokyo is no longer a secret, much of what transpired or what was discussed in the meeting between the President and MILF chieftain Murad remain under wraps.

           Secrets may be maintained between lovers, but there should be no secrets between the President and the Filipino people.

           After a meeting which reportedly lasted for two hours, the bits and pieces of information which trickled to media are scanty and stereotyped.

           The House Minority supports the President’s initiative for a peaceful settlement of the decades-old armed conflict in Muslim Mindanao, but we cannot support a peace agenda whose parameters are nebulous and whose terms of engagement and possible agreement are concealed.

           Since any negotiation and settlement with the MILF would involve national security, the President must convene the National Security Council which he has not done since his incumbency despite security concerns like that of Spratly’s.

           I reiterate my call for the President to tell the people the real score and the people are entitled to know the answers to the following questions:

           1. What was the reason of the President in making his trip to Japan secret?

          2. What are the parameters for the impending peace negotiations?

           3. What are the bottom line demands of the MILF?

           4. Is the Philippines ready to offer certain concessions?

           5. How would the rival MNLF be treated and/or accommodated in the peace talks?

           6. What pieces of legislation are necessary to enhance the successful implementation of any peace accord?

           7. How much is the budgetary requirement for the conduct of the negotiations and enforcement of any peaceful settlement?

           8. How would the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) fit into the negotiation and eventual agreement?

           9. With the President’s meeting with Murad, what kind of special status did he confer on the Muslim rebel leader and his insurgency?