PHILIPPINE EMBASSY NEWS RELEASE

Reference:   Consul Patricia Ann V. Paez, Information and Press Officer
                    Tel. No. (202) 467- 9400    E-mail: pvpaez@aol.com
                    Staff  Mr. Gerald B. Gloria   Tel. No. (202) 467-9432

ABCOPOP RENEWS PLEDGE OF SUPPORT FOR GMA
STATEMENT OF THE PRESIDENT: RE IMPEACHMENT CASE
STATEMENT OF THE PRESIDENT: RE COMELEC
STATEMENT OF THE PRESIDENT: RE PESO SLIDE
STATEMENT OF SECRETARY IGNACIO R. BUNYE
GMA: 'LET'S HOLD OUR PEACE AND EMOTIONS' AS DAVIDE IMPEACH BID REACHES 'MOST SENSITIVE POINT'
ALBAY RESIDENTS THANK GMA FOR GOV'T ASSISTANCE TO THEM
GMA CONFERS ORDER OF SIKATUNA ON OUTGOING CHILEAN ENVOY
LAO CHIEF JUSTICE VOWS TO HELP STRENGTHEN RP-LAOTIAN RELATIONS
MOTOROLA TO EXPAND OPERATIONS IN RP, GMA TOLD
JERRY YAN MAKES SICK CHILDREN HAPPY DURING A BRIEF CALL ON GMA IN MALACAÑANG
GMA CITES PROGRAMMED MULTI-BILLION PESO PROJECTS FOR THE BICOL REGION
GMA OPENS 'MADAYAW SA DABAW' FESTIVAL IN INTRAMUROS
OPLE BACKS COVENANT AS KEY TO POLITICAL STABILITY
OPLE REITERATES POLITICAL AND HUMANITARIAN COMMITMENT ON IRAQ
TERRORIST TARGET LABELLING UNCALLED FOR – OPLE
OPLE OPTIMISTIC ON PEACEFUL SOLUTION TO KOREAN PENINSULA ISSUE
DFA TO FULLY IMPLEMENT DUAL CITIZENSHIP LAW
OPLE CONSULTS WITH SENATE LEADERSHIP ON RP-US AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT
ENTRY INTO FORCE OF UN ACCORD AGAINST SMUGGLING OF MIGRANTS MAJOR HUMAN RIGHTS VICTORY
RP OFFERS CONDOLENCES TO INDONESIA ON FLOODING DEATHS
RP ENVIRONMENTAL DIPLOMACY ARSENAL FORTIFIED BY SENATE RATIFICATION OF KYOTO PROTOCOL
MONTERREY HOPES FAR FROM REALIZED—OPLE
OPLE HAILS STRENGTHENING OF RP-LAOS TIES; CITES VISIT OF LAOTIAN SUPREME COURT HEAD, EDUCATIONAL AND OTHER CULTURAL EXCHANGES
PHILIPPINES EXPANDS FOREIGN POLICY HORIZONS WITH FIRST STATE VISIT OF KAZAHKSTAN’S PRESIDENT
USAID ASSISTANCE TO BOOST RP’S EFFORTS AT JUDICIAL AND LEGAL REFORMS
OPLE URGES DEPORTEES TO OBSERVE TERMS OF DEPORTATION
PCCS STREAMLINES OPERATIONS; TRANSFERS HEADQUARTERS TO DFA BUILDING

PRESS RELEASE NO. 1: ABCOPOP RENEWS PLEDGE OF SUPPORT FOR GMA

The Association of Brigadier Generals, Police Chief Superintendents, Commodores and Pensioners of the Philippines, Inc. (ABCOPOP) has pledged anew its support for the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, citing her "extraordinary and noble visions, outstanding competence and unquestionable honesty in handling the overall governmental affairs."

In a board resolution dated October 27, 2003, the ABCOPOP, also known as the Fusiliers, expressed support for the President’s strategic and operational as well as her everyday moves, in improving the political, economics and social conditions in the country "which are all geared towards the betterment of the Filipino people today and the future."

ABCOPOP chairman and president retired Police Chief Superintendent Juan Gallardo Abuan, Jr. led the signatories who have vowed to defend and preserve the chain of command in view of the current political, economic and social conditions.

The group expressed disenchantment over individuals, groups and partisan politics that take advantage of the situation for advancing their personal agenda and stirring destabilization.

"These artificially created, false and negative developments will certainly create additional heavy burdens on the peace and order situation whom the final deceiving victims are the defenseless and innocent majority of the people," the resolution stated.

It also cited the President for "her swift, timely and decisive moves" in acting on peace and order problems, particularly against terrorism and kidnapping.

PRESS RELEASE NO. 2: STATEMENT OF THE PRESIDENT: RE IMPEACHMENT CASE

This is perhaps the most sensitive point in the whole course of the impeachment controversy. It is a time for everyone involved to take stock of conscience and duty. On one side, the Supreme Court is doing this by patiently consulting a panel of legal luminaries and amici curiae, and I would like to thank all our patriotic and well-meaning legal minds who are contributing their best to shed light on the issues. On another side, the House of Representatives is engaged in an earnest bid at consensus building. On my side, I have proposed a solution to the impasse in the form of a covenant. I am confident that these separate institutional acts will have a point of convergence, although I do not expect instant results. I realize that the process of legal introspection in the Supreme Court and consensus building in the House are indispensable events that will hopefully contribute to a principled and commonly accepted solution. This could lead to a point of catharsis and consolidation for our nation and we should build our unity behind the Constitution and the national interest. The best of our leaders are trying to find a solution and let us hold our peace and not allow our emotions to override the rule of law. If things turn out right, this could be a shining moment for Philippine democracy that will lead us to a higher plane of political stability.

PRESS RELEASE NO. 3: STATEMENT OF THE PRESIDENT: RE COMELEC

I urge the COMELEC to look into this issue with a high sense of urgency and resoluteness, and set things aright if anomalies were committed. The country has had enough of election fraud and I have resolved to work for clean, honest and orderly elections. The free and untrammeled expression of the voice of the people in the ballot is the basic foundation of our democratic system and we aim to guarantee this in next year’s polls.

PRESS RELEASE NO. 4: STATEMENT OF THE PRESIDENT: RE PESO SLIDE

Our institutions have been shaken by untoward events since July this year but confidence has held up in the face of the overall stability and viability of our democratic system. We must continue to build on this by unity and reconciliation, resilience and faith in ourselves. While we cannot forestall all imaginable political crises, what I can say is that we are diminishing the potential of violence that is attached to these. This should give enough confidence to the business sector that we are crossing the road to permanent stability. Positive gains in security and development bear this out and I am confident that these gains, combined with good governance, will continue to maintain macroeconomic stability.

PRESS RELEASE NO. 5: STATEMENT OF SECRETARY IGNACIO R. BUNYE

It is unfortunate that while our institutions are trying to resolve a vital Constitutional issue and while the President is doing her best to hold a consistent line in serving the public interest, some rabble rousers in the opposition insist on throwing dirt into the political arena.

The Pidal issue is a lost cause because it is not supported by an iota of evidence.

The President is not campaigning but has intensified her usual schedule of provincial and urban sorties to tackle important mass level issues.

Painting dirt on public service is scraping the bottom. It is a desperate act by discredited political leaders.

PRESS RELEASE NO. 6: GMA: 'LET'S HOLD OUR PEACE AND EMOTIONS' AS DAVIDE IMPEACH BID REACHES 'MOST SENSITIVE POINT'

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said today that as "the most sensitive point" is reached in the controversial Davide impeachment bid, "let us hold our peace and not allow our emotions to override the rule of law."

President Macapagal-Arroyo assured the people, in a press statement, that "the best of our leaders are trying to find a solution" to the impasse caused by the filing of an impeachment complaint in the House of Representatives against Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr.

"If things turn out right," she said, "this could be a shining moment for Philippine democracy that will lead us to a higher plane of political stability."

As the congressional recess ends on Monday (November 10), the President noted that there is now a process of legal introspection in the Supreme Court and consensus building in the House. She herself has proposed a covenant for resolving the issues.

She expressed hope that these "indispensable events" will lead to "a principled and commonly accepted solution."

"This could lead to a point of catharsis and consolidation for our nation and we should build our unity behind the Constitution and the national interest.

When Congress resumes its session on Monday, anti-Davide members of the House are pressing for elevating their complaint against the Chief Justice for alleged irregular use of the Judicial Development Fund (JDF), to the Senate so that the impeachment trial could proceed.

In a radio interview, Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said that it is House Speaker Jose de Venacia’s role, under the covenant presented by the President in her effort to break the impeachment impasse, to talk and convince the congressmen, who have signed the impeachment complaint, to withdraw their signatures. The Speaker has formed a seven-man committee for that purpose.

Bunye said that if the pro-impeachment congressmen want to know the truth about the JDF disbursements, there is an alternative mechanism that does not require the filing of an impeachment complaint.

He said that there is the Commission on Audit (COA), which has the constitutional authority to examine the books of accounts of the Supreme Court. The COA can be of help to the House committee on justice, if given the task of probing the JDF expenditure, he said.

"Kung hindi natin papairalin ‘yong pride at talagang titingnan lang natin ‘yong paghahanap sa katotohanan ay palagay ko ito ang magandang solusyon (If we don’t let pride rule us and we just want to know the truth, I think this is the nice solution)." Bunye said.

PRESS RELEASE NO. 7: ALBAY RESIDENTS THANK GMA FOR GOV'T ASSISTANCE TO THEM

LEGAZPI CITY - Thousands of residents in the municipalities of Albay yesterday sincerely thanked President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for her continued support and unwavering commitment to help them realize their long-time dreams.

In a simple ceremony late Wednesday afternoon at the jampacked Albay Astrodome here, the President gave her early Christmas gifts to the residents of this province by distributing certificates of entitlements for lot allocations (CELAs), financial assistance, and assorted medicines.

"Sa buong kasaysayan ng Pilipinas at sa buong kasaysayan ng Bicol ito ang pinakamaraming napagbigyan ng certificates ng lot entitlements at pinakamaraming nag-graduate ng mga kababayang Bicolano mula sa pagiging iskwater sa sarili nilang lupa (In the entire history of the Philippines and in the entire history of Bicol, this is the first time that the most number of certificates of lot entitlements have been awarded and the most number of Filipinos have graduated as squatters)," the President said in her opening remarks at the gathering.

During the occasion, the President also launched the "Kalsada Natin, Alagaan Natin," a program that would encourage barangays to protect and maintain national and provincial roads.

At least 157 CELAs were given by the President to beneficiaries on Barangay Bagumbayan in Daraga and another 500 CELAs to the residents in the lot properties of Philippine National Railways in the seven barangays in Albay province especially from Legazpi City.

The President also distributed CELAs to lucky resident beneficiaries in the municipalities of Manlilipot, Sto. Domingo, Camalig, Bacacay and Tabaco City.

The President also gave a P236,000 check for the construction of a fish cage at Barangay Bangkerohan in Legazpi City; P135,000 to Governor Al Francis Bichara for the procurement of one multi-cab for the research and development activities of the province; and P100,000 for the construction of water system in Barangay Buhatan, Sto. Domingo.

She also handed over four separate checks worth P200,000 for the Livelihood Development Program of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and another check of P120,000 to Bonifacio Veran, a beneficiary of OWWA insurance program.

The President distributed five sets of Nebulizer kits for asthma patients in the towns of Bacacay, Malinao, Irosin, and Pilar.

Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal also received five cases of assorted medicines from the President and another three cases of assorted medicines were given to Virac and Pandan town in Catanduanes.

Chairman Michael Defensor of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and Governor Bichara assisted the President in the awarding of CELAs and distribution of checks and medicines.

PRESS RELEASE NO. 8: GMA CONFERS ORDER OF SIKATUNA ON OUTGOING CHILEAN ENVOY

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today bestowed on outgoing Chilean Ambassador Carmen Lynam-Mannakee the Order of Sikatuna, with the rank of Datu.

The President made the conferment during the ambassador’s farewell call in Malacanang this afternoon.

In the citation, which Presidential Chief of Protocol Cecile Rebong read during simple ceremonies at the Music Room, the President noted the envoy’s outstanding service in the field of international relations and "for having been a worthy and competent representative of Chile in the Philippines."

The ambassador is also noted for her noteworthy contribution in further strengthening of the friendly and cordial relations between the Philippines and Chile.

The ambassador was also cited for her for actively encouraging government-to-government contacts through the exchange of visits by officials of both countries, including frequent and productive bilateral consultations among officials of both foreign ministries.

Specifically, Ms. Lynam-Mannakee is noted for her significant contributions toward the forging of closer relations through the conclusion of negotiations and signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Agriculture and Related Fields and Promotion of Agricultural Trade and the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation and Socialized Housing.

PRESS RELEASE NO. 9: LAO CHIEF JUSTICE VOWS TO HELP STRENGTHEN RP-LAOTIAN RELATIONS

Laos Supreme Court Justice Khammy Sayayong today vowed to help in efforts in strengthening bilateral relations between the Philippines and the Lao Republic.

Sayayong made the commitment during his courtesy call on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Malacañang this afternoon.

During the meeting at the Music Room, the President and Sayayong noted the importance of forging stronger bilateral relations between the two countries.

Sayayong is in the country to observe how Philippine courts operate. He is to hold discussions with Filipino legal and judicial experts, including Philippine Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr., justices of the Court of Appeals, judges of the regional trial courts and officials of other government agencies.

During a light moment, Sayayong noted the similar physical features between Filipinos and Laotians. The President, on the other hand, complimented the Lao Chief Justice’s "very suitable" pina barong shirt.

During the call, the President instructed Philippine Ambassador to Laos Antonio L. Cabangon-Chua, who was also present at the meeting, to actively promote export of Philippine-made products, including jeepneys, to Laos.

The President also ordered Cabangon-Chua to look into possible importation of rice and timber from Laos.

In a report to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Cabangon-Chua noted the need of Laos to improve its judicial system to facilitate the inflow of foreign investments into that country.

Sayayong was accompanied at the courtesy call by Lao Republic’s Ambassador to Manila Phiane Philakone.

Among those who attended the meeting included recent Laos visitor Juan P. Dayang, chairman of the Publishers Association of the Philipines, Inc. (PAPI) and publisher of Philippine Leader.

PRESS RELEASE NO. 10: MOTOROLA TO EXPAND OPERATIONS IN RP, GMA TOLD

The Motorola Communications Philippines, Inc. will expand its operations in the Philippines, particularly its handset business, according to Scott Durchslag, general manager for Personal Communications Sector of Motorola’s Handset Business in Southeast Asia.

Durchslag, who called on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo this afternoon, said that Motorola will further expand its operations in the Philippines because of the huge business potential of the country.

"We have received reports that texting is very much part of the Filipino youths’ culture and that 75 percent of the Philippines’ population is less than 25 years old," Durchslag told the President.

Durchslag said, "Motorola is coming up with a youth-oriented marketing campaign for the Philippines."

"We want to bring communications to the masses. Motorola has developed cheaper phones that could be marketed for as low as P2,000," Durchslag said.

President Macapagal-Arroyo welcomed Motorola’s plan to expand its business operations in the Philippines and said that Motorola would benefit from hiring Filipinos since they are known as among the best in information technology.

"Filipinos are the most knowledgeable workers in the world when it comes to information technology," the President said.

Durchslag, who will be based at Motorola’s Southeast Asia headquarters in Singapore, will lead operations in the region.

"I have high respect for the markets and the people of South Asia and am truly delighted to be back in Asia in my new role as general manager of Motorola’s biggest business," Durchslag said.

Durchslag showed to newsmen several of Motorola’s newest handheld phones available in the market, including the E365, which has an integrated camera and an advanced polyphonic speaker.

Motorola, Inc. is a global leader in wireless, automotive and broadband communications. Sales in 2002 reached $27.3 billion.

According to its corporate handout, Motorola is a global "corporate citizen" that is dedicated to ethical business practices and pioneering important innovations that "make things smarter and life better."

PRESS RELEASE NO. 11: JERRY YAN MAKES SICK CHILDREN HAPPY DURING A BRIEF CALL ON GMA IN MALACAÑANG

Cancer-stricken and other ailing and orphaned children currently being helped and supported by First Gentleman Atty. Jose Miguel Arroyo had their wishes to see Taiwanese superstar Jerry Yan in person come true in Malacañang today.

Popularly known as Dao Ming Si in the hit telenovela "Meteor Garden," Yan paid a courtesy call on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the First Gentleman.

It was also an occasion for the well-liked actor to meet and shake hands with the children not only from the various charitable institutions but also those from members of the official family of the President.

The first grand-daughter of the President, Michaela, as well as officials and employees of the Office of the President and the Office of the Press Secretary, were at the Palace to see the popular Taiwanese actor.

Ms. Gina de Venecia, wife of Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr., was also in Malacañang just to meet Jerry Yan. She told Yan that the President and the First Gentleman are his fans and they watch "Meteor Garden" when occasion permits.

"Some of the cancer patients’ last wish is to meet Yan," the President informed the actor.

Yan, who was accompanied to Malacañang by Bench’s Ben Chan, will be in Manila only for two days. Yan is the latest star endorser of Bench.

He informed the President, through an interpreter, that he will be back on November 29, this year, for a concert at the Fort, along with some members of the Meteor Garden TV series.

The President, during a photo session with the children at the Main Living Room of the Malacañang Palace, likewise distributed free tickets to the concert of Jerry Yan at the Fort.

The children who met with the President and Jerry Yan include orphans from Damas, Caritas, Silong Tanglaw, including Mary Joy, who has two-artificial legs donated by the First Gentleman.

Paulyn May Ramos, who had a fracture after she was hit by a falling suicide victim at Isetan last year, was also on hand to meet Jerry Yan.

Also present to meet Jerry Yan were cancer patients from the Center for Health Improvement and Life Development (CHILD), a project of Ricky Reyes.

PRESS RELEASE NO. 12: GMA cites programmed multi-billion peso projects for the Bicol region

LEGAZPI CITY – Bicolanos have a lot to look forward to under the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

For Albay alone, P10 billion has been programmed for two big power projects that should enhance the quality of life in the province, the President told local officials in a brief question and answer session late Wednesday afternoon here at the end of her hectic, whirlwind swing through the Bicol region.

The President cited the rehabilitation of the Tiwi Geothermal Power Plant, which will cost P2.6 billion.

The other project is the Pacman Power Plant, a joint venture among the Philippine National Oil Corporation, the government and the U.S. Export-Import Bank. This requires P6.9 billion, according to the President.

Besides these two projects, the President also mentioned the rehabilitation of the railroad track from Manila to the Bicol Region, which has been done at a cost of P3.5 billion. Getting new trains to complete the total rehabilitation will cost another P3.5 billion, the President said.

The President also mentioned the small water supply agriculture modernization project that was completed at a cost of P103 million.

These are only for Albay, the President emphasized.

Other projects are in the making for Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Masbate and Sorsogon in a total effort to uplift the lives of people in the region, the President said.

For Camarines Norte, the President mentioned the project for environmental and economic sustainability in Talisay at a cost of P170 million.

PRESS RELEASE NO. 13: GMA OPENS 'MADAYAW SA DABAW' FESTIVAL IN INTRAMUROS

Citing Davao as one of the favorite destinations of tourists, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo formally opened today the "Madayaw sa Dabaw," a festival showcasing the various rites in Southern Mindanao at the Visit Philippines 2003 clamshell in Intramuros.

Dressed in a colorful Mandaya blouse of the famous ethnic tribe of Davao, the President congratulated Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon and local officials of the Davao provinces for bringing the best of the Davao Regions to Manila, to give local and foreign tourists a chance to see a sampling of the Filipinos’ diverse culture.

"Let’s use tourism as a great source of continuing stability and progress," intoned the President in her 10-minute speech before a motley crowd that included ethnic tribes in their colorful costumes.

Aside from Gordon, the Chief Executive was also welcomed and joined in the stage by Panubo City Mayor Ray Gavina, Davao Oriental Governor Maria Elena Palma-Gil, Mayor Roger Antalan of the Island Garden City of Samal, and Tagum City Mayor Gelacio Gementiza, among others.

The President said Davao’s tourism potential is expected to be boosted by the inauguration of the new Davao International Airport next month.

In her speech, she also reiterated the importance of "holding our peace and not allow our emotions to override the rule of law" in the controversial Davide impeachment move against Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr.

She assured the people that the best of the country’s leaders are trying to find a solution to the impasse.

"If things turn out right, this could be a shining moment for Philippine democracy that will lead us to a higher plane of political stability," the President said. She added that "This could lead to a point of catharsis and consolidation for our nation and we should build our unity behind the Constitution and the national interest."

After her speech, the President toured the various exhibits and festivities at the venue and broke protocol by shaking hands with the guests, exhibitors and tribal dancers.

The DOT Region XI has allocated P4.7 million for the event to be able to set up the region’s best exhibits, cultural markets, cultural performances, street festivals, cultural parades, live band performances, craft demonstration and garden shows during the two-week activity.

PRESS RELEASE NO. 14: OPLE BACKS COVENANT AS KEY TO POLITICAL STABILITY

6 November 2003 - Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople yesterday threw his full support behind the covenant proposed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to break the impasse on the impeachment of Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr.

He called on the leaders of the Senate, the House of Representatives and the Supreme Court to accept the covenant which “holds the key not only to resolving the impeachment crisis but also to the preservation of the country’s political stability which is central to the economic recovery program.”

Ople was a member of the Constitutional Commission of 1986 appointed by President Corazon Aquino which wrote the present Constitution and was vice chairman of its committee on Constitutional Amendments.

Calling the covenant an instrument of wisdom and reconciliation, Ople said the three parties – the legislature, the executive and the judiciary have a grave responsibility to resolve the impeachment crisis in a fair, constitutional manner without sacrificing their respective institutional principles.

“The GMA-proposed covenant holds the correct answer,” Ople said.

The covenant proposed by President Arroyo, Ople said, calls for the withdrawal of the impeachment complaint by members of the House of Representatives and for remanding the investigation of the alleged misuse of the Judicial Development Fund to the House Committee on justice, with an active role for the Commission on Audit.

Ople said the covenant makes for a balanced, sensible and constitutional solution to the entire impeachment problem.

“It also guarantees the preservation of our political stability which is central to any economic progress,” he said.

PRESS RELEASE NO. 15:OPLE REITERATES POLITICAL AND HUMANITARIAN COMMITMENT ON IRAQ

6 November 2003 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople said that there is a need to continue to help the people of Iraq in rebuilding their country and that this is not the time to abandon Iraq.

“We acknowledge that the situation in Iraq is a delicate one. But now is not the time to withdraw. We continue to maintain our political and humanitarian commitment to the people of Iraq and to the stability and security of the Middle East region, “ Secretary Ople said.

The Secretary said that the Philippines is very much aware of the security situation on the ground, but said that all measures are being taken to ensure the safety of the Philippine Humanitarian Contingent in Iraq. “We have very dedicated medical and social workers providing important services that have improved and saved the lives of Iraqis. We also have very professional and seasoned members of our military and police who, together with the security forces of other countries, are looking after the safety and welfare of our contingent. We monitor the situation on a very regular basis and are confident that there are no specific threats against our countrymen who wear our flag proudly as they carry out their humanitarian tasks,” the Secretary said. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had earlier said that the Philippines will continue to maintain its presence in Iraq and had instructed Secretary Ople, the Chairman of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Humanitarian Assistance to Iraq, to ensure the safety of the Philippine Contingent.

He added that the Philippines will be actively engaged on the issue of Iraq when it assumes its non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council in January next year.

On reports that the Philippines has down-sized its staff at the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad, the Secretary said that the movement is part of regular administrative movements, which are not normally broadcast to the public. “We need not maintain a complete staff there as the number of staff should be commensurate to the level of work,” the Secretary said. He added that it is regrettable that a certain official had leaked this movement, as this makes the embassy more vulnerable to attacks or to robbers. “This is like announcing to the world that you are leaving your house and it is open season for burglars,” the Secretary said. “I had hoped that our officials would be more responsible in matters such as this,” he added.

PRESS RELEASE NO. 16:TERRORIST TARGET LABELLING UNCALLED FOR – OPLE

6 November 2003 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople reiterated that the Philippines is fully aware that terrorists are offended by the success of the Philippines in the war against terror and by the Philippines’s strong adherence to democratic and liberal values and that because of this, terrorists could be targeting the Philippines. But he said that there is no need to place unreasonable labels that do not fully reflect the situation.

The Secretary made this statement after the US Defense Department included the Philippines in its list of “high-risk” terrorist targets.

“We know we are high-risk targets because terrorists detest the values that we hold dear,” the Secretary said. “But it is not necessary to continue labeling the Philippines as a high-risk target, since no country is truly secure from terrorist attack,” he added.

“Such labels are particularly disconcerting since there are actually no specific terrorist threats against the Philippines,” the Secretary said.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had earlier said that the Philippines acknowledges the continuing threat of terrorism in the country but that the Philippines deserves full recognition for the effective security measures that have been adopted.

In an earlier statement (No. 565-03; 10 October 2003), the Secretary said “If terrorists seek to hit us because we are a strong democracy, if terrorists cannot stand us because of our liberal and pluralistic society, if terrorists wish to strike at us because we revere freedom, because we are tolerant and because we value human life, if terrorists target us because they cannot accept that we have done much to achieve peace in our country and that we are able to live peacefully with others of different faiths, then by all that is decent, we are the target of terrorists. We are targets for we are their enemy.”

PRESS RELEASE NO. 17:OPLE OPTIMISTIC ON PEACEFUL SOLUTION TO KOREAN PENINSULA ISSUE

6 November 2003 – Recent developments relating to the Korean Peninsula issue have given cause for some optimism that a peaceful solution will be reached, Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople said today.

Outlining the reasons for his optimism, the Secretary said that the lines of communication have improved and the signals from the US and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) have been encouraging.

“With the help of concerned states, particularly China, the lines of communication have not only remained open but have also been strengthened. This is a major diplomatic achievement of China and we continue to support their efforts,” Secretary Ople said.

“In addition, rhetoric has become more reasonable. The US has come closer to the proposal of the DPRK for security guarantees and the DPRK is now more open to the US offer that such guarantees be multilateral in form. Initially, positions were far apart and almost irreconcilable. But today we stand at the brink of a major breakthrough that could mean lasting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region,” Secretary Ople said.

The Secretary added that the key remains to be the need for the DPRK to fully abandon its nuclear weapons program, saying, “I would like to reiterate our call for the DPRK to abandon its efforts to develop nuclear weapons.”

The Secretary said that the Philippines, as one of two countries representing Asia in the United Nations Security Council next year, is prepared to deal with the Korean Peninsula issue, should it be taken up by the Security Council.

“We are prepared to discuss this in the Security Council. Our own national stakes are high. We have shed blood on the Korean Peninsula. We have many of our nationals working there. The stability of our region is less secure in the absence of a solution. However, we prefer that this matter be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue and not through Security Council action,” the Secretary said.

The DPRK had earlier dismissed the proposal of the US for a multilateral security guarantee. At that time, the Secretary expressed regret that the DPRK had readily dismissed what many acknowledged as a major concession by the United States and had called on the DPRK to seriously consider the options presented to it, particularly those that have the support of the entire region (DFA Press Release No. 598-03; 23 October 2003).

“I am glad that the DPRK is now a bit more positive in responding to the US proposal,” Secretary Ople said.

The Secretary also welcomed the talks to be held today between the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the DPRK, saying that this is an important confidence building measure. An ROK delegation has left for the DPRK to pursue talks on reconciliation and economic cooperation. The four-day meeting in Pyongyang will also cover economic cooperation, re-linking cross-border railways severed during the 1950-1953 Korean War and an industrial park under construction in the North's border city of Kaesong.

On reports that an international consortium has postponed a decision on whether to suspend or stop work on light-water nuclear reactors under construction in the DPRK, Secretary Ople said that the Philippines will respect the decision of the consortium but that any future political solution would have to include a formula that would wean the DPRK away from its current reliance on nuclear power plants that could produce weapons-grade materials. The Philippines has supported the efforts of the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization, or KEDO, which was set up in a 1994 agreement to help the DPRK with its energy needs in exchange for a promise by Pyongyang to freeze all its nuclear programs.

PRESS RELEASE NO. 18:DFA TO FULLY IMPLEMENT DUAL CITIZENSHIP LAW

6 November 2003 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople said that he had issued the necessary instructions to all Philippine foreign service posts to fully implement Republic Act 9225 or the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003. Secretary Ople gave this assurance when he met yesterday with Senate President Franklin M. Drilon, the principal author of RA 9225.

“I had a very productive dialogue with the Senate President yesterday. He expressed his concerns over the implementation of RA 9225. We agreed that the Dual Citizenship law, taken together with existing laws and regulations, provide enough basis to carry out the law. I acknowledged and thanked him for his concerns and informed him that I had issued instructions to all our Posts to fully implement the law,” Secretary Ople said.

“I also agreed to give priority to the desire of former natural-born Filipinos to avail of this law. I was touched by the Senate President’s sincere concern for aspirations of former Filipinos to re-acquire their citizenship. I too believe that they had not truly severed their ties with our country when they took up the citizenship of another country. These are ties that are difficult to abandon and this new law fulfills the dreams of many of our friends and relatives who wish to be Filipino citizens once more,” Secretary Ople said.

“During the meeting, the Senate President told me that the issue of what appeared to be the lukewarm attitude of the DFA to the law is now settled and that we can expect his full support for the DFA budget in the Senate. I thanked him for his continued support for the DFA,” the Secretary added.

“Inter-agency implementing rules and regulations are being prepared to fine-tune these instructions and to harmonize the action of all agencies involved in implementing this law. As these IRRs will bind other agencies, Malacanang will promulgate it through an administrative order, which I hope will be issued shortly. We have prepared uniform application forms and will also be launching an information drive. We are preparing brochures and will also be uploading information materials to our website,” the Secretary said.

PRESS RELEASE NO. 19:OPLE CONSULTS WITH SENATE LEADERSHIP ON RP-US AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT

6 November 03 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople today said that he has consulted with the leadership of the Senate regarding the RP-US Air Services Agreement (ASA) and that he had presented a new formula that could help resolve the issue of whether or not the RP-US ASA should be submitted to the Senate for its concurrence.

“In my meeting with Senate President Franklin M. Drilon yesterday, I suggested that the Senate and the Department of Foreign Affairs cooperate in addressing the issue of whether or not the RP-US ASA should be submitted to the Senate for its concurrence. I presented to him a formula that would not only address this issue but, perhaps more importantly, would also address our air transport needs and interests,” Secretary Ople said.

The Secretary said that the Senate President was very supportive of the formula. “He was very supportive of the formula. I told him that I had also written to the Chairmen of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and the Senate Committee on Public Services on this formula and that I hope that I could get the support of the Senate,” the Secretary added.

The Secretary declined to elaborate on the new formula on how the Philippines intends to deal with the issue of the RP-US ASA, saying only that “if we are to succeed in protecting our own interests, we have to remain united,” referring to the recent disagreements between the Senate and the Executive Branch on this issue.

“It was clear that the Senate and the Executive Branch had the same intentions in mind and differed only in method. Through consultation, we have now clarified matters and are, hopefully, ready to work together in pursuing our national interests in this matter, something that, the Senate President and I agreed, we should never lose sight of, politics notwithstanding” the Secretary said.

PRESS RELEASE NO. 20:ENTRY INTO FORCE OF UN ACCORD AGAINST SMUGGLING OF MIGRANTS MAJOR HUMAN RIGHTS VICTORY

6 November 2003 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople today said that the entry into force of the Protocol against Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, will be a major human rights victory and will further strengthen national and international efforts in preventing the smuggling of migrants. Secretary Ople made this statement after the Government of Azerbaijan deposited the fortieth instrument of ratification. In accordance with Article 38 of the Convention, the treaty will enter into force on 28 January 2004. Forty ratifications were needed for the treaty to enter into force.

“As we look forward to the entry into force in January next year of this important United Nations Protocol, we are already making the necessary preparations to take full advantage of the Protocol in terms of cooperating with other countries in preventing the smuggling of migrants. This Protocol is a major victory for human rights and our war against human traffickers,” Secretary Ople said. Secretary Ople is also the Chairman of the Senior Government Working Group on Human Trafficking and People Smuggling.

“We actively participated in negotiating this Protocol and joined in its advocacy. The Protocol requires Member States to cooperate with each other to address the various issues surrounding smuggling migrants such as activities of organized crime groups, production of fraudulent travel or identity documents and life threatening or degrading treatment of migrants and their exploitation. We will add this Protocol to our legal arsenal in fighting human smuggling,” the Secretary added.

Saying that there exists highly sophisticated networks that smuggle migrants and exploit human misery and that their huge profits aid in their impunity, the Secretary declared that “It is time for the international community to challenge these transnational organized crime groups.”

The 40 countries that have ratified the convention are : Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Ecuador, France, Gambia, Jamaica, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Mali, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Spain, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey.

PRESS RELEASE NO. 21:RP OFFERS CONDOLENCES TO INDONESIA ON FLOODING DEATHS

6 November 2003 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople today conveyed to Indonesia the deepest sympathies of the government and people of the Philippines for the deaths that resulted from flooding in North Sumatra.

“On behalf of the government and the people of the Philippines, I would like to convey our deepest sympathies to Indonesia for the tragic loss of lives and we pray for the safe recovery of those injured,” Secretary Ople said.

Rescuers in Indonesia are continuing to search for bodies, after a flood disaster in North Sumatra that is feared to have killed up to 190 people. Rescue officials say that 87 bodies have been found so far in the resort town of Bahorok, but around 100 are still missing. The town, on the edge of the Gunung Leuser national park, was hit by a flash flood on Sunday.

“We are confident that the people and leaders of Indonesia will find the strength to overcome this disaster and we stand ready to offer any assistance that they might need,” Secretary Ople said.

“This tragedy cannot help but be a stark reminder to all of us of the power of nature and the need to treat the environment with both awe and respect,” the Secretary added.

The Secretary said that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had sent a letter of condolence to Indonesia President Megawatti Sukarno Putri.

PRESS RELEASE NO. 22:RP ENVIRONMENTAL DIPLOMACY ARSENAL FORTIFIED BY SENATE RATIFICATION OF KYOTO PROTOCOL

6 November 2003 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople welcomed the Senate’s ratification of the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on 21 October 2003.

“The ratification of the Kyoto Protocol fortifies the Philippines’ environmental diplomacy arsenal, marking a significant milestone in international environmental law. The ratification serves as a testament of the country’s dedication as a responsible member of the international community and our determination to preserve the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions around the globe,” the Secretary said.

With the ratification of the multi-lateral instrument, the Philippines joins the international community in reinforcing efforts to reduce worldwide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. GHGs have been identified as primarily responsible for changes in global weather patterns due to their deleterious effects on the earth’s ozone layer.

The Kyoto Protocol sets legally binding targets and timetables for reducing GHG emissions and specifies the obligations of developed countries to reduce their collective GHG emissions to 5% of 1990 levels during the period 2008 – 2012. The Kyoto Protocol was adopted at the third session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC in Kyoto, Japan on 11 December 1997.

As of 21 October, 121 Parties to the UNFCCC have already ratified, accepted, acceded or approved the Protocol. The protocol will enter into force on the ninetieth day after the date on which not less than 55 Parties to the UNFCC incorporating Annex I Parties, which accounted for at least 55% of total carbon dioxide emissions in the 1990s have deposited their instruments of ratification, accession, acceptance or approval.

Prominent Annex I Parties such as the United States, Australia and the Russian Federation have yet to ratify the protocol. The Secretary acknowledged that this remains a major diplomatic challenge saying that “we will continue to join international efforts to convince these major industrial countries to sign on to the Kyoto Protocol.” The country’s ratification is expected to add more pressure to Annex I Parties to follow the lead of other Parties to the UNFCCC.

PRESS RELEASE NO. 23:MONTERREY HOPES FAR FROM REALIZED—OPLE

06 November 2003 - Secretary of Foreign Affairs Blas F. Ople declared that hopes during the Monterrey Summit on Financing for Development in March 2002 are far from realized. He made the statement in opening the discussions of the round table on the regional dimensions of implementing the results of the Monterrey Summit during the first day of the High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development which convened in New York from 29 to 30 October 2003. Ople served as Co-Chair of the round table together with the President of the Inter-American Development Bank, Mr. Enrique Iglesias.

Ople noted that declining levels of official development assistance (ODA) and other resource flows as well as general obstacles faced by developing countries are stifling the ability of these countries to pursue their own development which contrast the expectations that resulted from the Monterrey Summit.

Other participants in the round table shared the sentiment with one delegate saying that in fact, the light at the end of the tunnel provided by Monterrey is indeed dimming. With the decline in ODA and no real movement on debt relief, it seems that nothing has been achieved so far. Instead, the developing world saw its natural resources depleted, technical capacities diminished and ignored, markets deemed invisible, deepening poverty, marginalization and spread of epidemics.

Stressing on the need for a more spirited approach to development financing cooperation, Secretary Ople emphasized the need for efforts at the national, regional and international levels. According to Ople, regional cooperation in particular should serve as an effective bridge between national and international development initiatives. He cited efforts taken by regional organizations in addressing the problems of financing for development such as ASEAN and NEPAD and the work of the UN regional social and economic commissions.

To ease the debt burden among developing countries, Ople also emphasized the importance of more effective and innovative approaches for debt relief such as ‘debt swap’ strategies that covers not only those identified under the ‘highly indebted poor countries’ (HIPC) initiative.

The Secretary also underscored the need to implement micro-financing programs as a way to enfranchise the poor as true participants in globalization and for the multilateral trading system to provide more benefits to the developing world.

PRESS RELEASE NO. 24:OPLE HAILS STRENGTHENING OF RP-LAOS TIES; CITES VISIT OF LAOTIAN SUPREME COURT HEAD, EDUCATIONAL AND OTHER CULTURAL EXCHANGES

06 November 2003 - Following the visit of the Laos Supreme Court Head, Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople hailed the new strength and vigor of the ties between the Philippines and Laos.

“The visit of the Laotian Supreme Court Chief is part of the educational and cultural exchange program being pursued by the government to further strengthen Philippine ties with Laos, which even now promises to bring our two countries closer together,” Secretary Ople said.

The Secretary particularly cited Philippine Ambassador to Vientiane Antonio L. Cabangon Chua for his active effort in bringing Philippine culture closer to the minds of a neighboring ASEAN member country.

Upon the invitation of Ambassador Cabangon Chua, Khammy Sayavong, Chairman and President of the People’s Supreme Court of Laos along with his wife visited the country to observe the judicial system of the Philippines. While here, Mr. Sayavong met with his counterpart Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr., Senate President Franklin Drilon, House Speaker Jose de Venecia, Secretary Ople and other government officials.

Cultural Exchange

As part of concrete efforts to strengthen cultural ties between the Philippines and Laos, Secretary Ople also cited the recent participation of the Philippines in the Mekong Boat Race Festival in Laos. The Festival is part of the Ok Phansa celebration, a centuries-old, folkloric Laotian tradition that celebrates the end of the rainy season.

“This is the first time for a foreign contingent to participate in the biggest celebration of the Lao people. The Philippine Embassy in Vientiane joined the boat race and also presented traditional Filipino folk dances during the cultural program that followed the event,” Ople said.

The Lao government was profuse in its expression of thanks to Ambassador Cabangon Chua for the Embassy’s participation, which also showcased the skills, hospitality and friendliness of the Filipino people.

Scholarship for Lao Students

Aside from heightened cultural exchange, Secretary Ople also happily welcomed the full scholarship grant awarded to four young students from Laos to study in the Philippines.

“Ambassador Cabangon-Chua is funding the scholarship through the Dominga L. Cabangon Memorial Foundation, an institution geared towards civic work here and abroad. His efforts will ensure that Philippine institutions will have a part in molding the future leaders of a neighboring ASEAN country,” Ople said.

The Secretary commended Ambassador Cabangon Chua for this initiative in focusing on education and human resource development as a means to further strengthen Philippine-Lao relations.

The Lao scholars will enroll in Philippine schools and will major in information technology and communications. The Dominga L. Cabangon Memorial Foundation will provide tuition and other school fees, monthly stipend, school supplies, board and lodging and return tickets.

Ople added that while Ambassador Cabangon Chua’s foundation is funding the initial programs in the educational and cultural exchange, efforts are also being made to widen the scope of scholarship coverage through expanding funding sources and diversifying the areas of concentration.

PRESS RELEASE NO. 25:PHILIPPINES EXPANDS FOREIGN POLICY HORIZONS WITH FIRST STATE VISIT OF KAZAHKSTAN’S PRESIDENT

6 November 2003 – The Philippines will expand its foreign policy horizons with the State Visit to the Philippines of President Nursultan Nazarbayev of the Republic of Kazakhstan on 10-12 November 2003. President Nazarbayev will visit the country upon the invitation of H.E. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

The first visit of a Kazakh leader to the Philippines will highlight relations between the two countries, which were established on 19 March 1992, after Kazakhstan declared its independence from the former Soviet Union in 1990. Nazarbayev is the first President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

President Nazarbayev and his entourage will be welcomed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at Malacañang Palace on 11 November 2003 where both Presidents will discuss matters of mutual interest particularly on trade, economic and investment cooperation. President Arroyo is expected to bring up the possibility of cooperation with Kazakhstan in the oil and energy sector, as well employment prospects for the local construction and energy industry to capture Kazakhstan’s increasing demand for more skilled and professional workers to meet its infrastructure development requirements. The Philippines hopes to tap Kazakhstan as an alternative source of oil and energy, as well as explore prospects for Philippine products to enter Kazakhstan’s booming consumer market.

Kazakhstan, the largest republic of the former Soviet Union in terms of territory (excluding Russia), possesses enormous fossil fuel reserves as well as a large supply of other minerals and metals. The opening of the Caspian Consortium pipeline in 2001 substantially raised its export capacity. The country’s economy has doubled in the last five years largely due to its growing energy sector.

President Nazarbayev will meet with top Philippine officials during his three-day visit. The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has organized a lunch where President Nazarbayev is expected to address the Philippine business community.

The Kazakh President will be accompanied by officials of the Kazakhstan Cabinet, businessmen and media people.

The Philippines is the second country which President Nazarbayev will visit in his Asian swing after Singapore. The party will proceed to Seoul, Republic of Korea, after the Philippines.

PRESS RELEASE NO. 26:USAID ASSISTANCE TO BOOST RP’S EFFORTS AT JUDICIAL AND LEGAL REFORMS

06 November 2003 - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) welcomed the new U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) initiative to support Philippine judicial and legal reforms. Secretary Ople said that this comes as a welcome development as enhanced reforms in the judiciary will greatly improve the country’s image abroad and encourage more investment in the Philippines.

The Philippine Supreme Court, Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and UP School of Law Faculty stand to benefit from this new program, which is being implemented in partnership with the American Bar Association (ABA).

The USAID/ABA project is an 18-month program that would assist the IBP in increasing the emphasis on ethics in the bar examinations, as well as in providing training to Filipino lawyers. ABA has also agreed to bring U.S. judges to the Philippines to engage in judge-to-judge interaction with Philippine jurists and facilitate discussions on sensitive legal issues related to anti-terrorism.

This assistance complements a broader judicial strengthening effort outlined by the Philippine Supreme Court in its “Blueprint for Action for Judicial Reform,” which was developed in line with the vision of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank, and civil society. The USAID Program will particularly support Filipino institutions in their efforts to improve the quality of and access to justice to strengthen the rule of law.

“This program is very timely because it reinforces the government’s efforts in enhancing the role of Filipino judges in combating terrorism and updating them on important Philippine developments and commitments against money laundering, and intellectual property rights, among others,” Secretary Ople said.

Over the past three years, USAID has worked closely with the Philippine Judicial Academy (PhilJa) in training judges to make less arbitrary decisions consistent with other jurisdictions and briefing judges on new laws on money laundering, bankruptcy, intellectual property and electronic commerce.

PRESS RELEASE NO. 27:OPLE URGES DEPORTEES TO OBSERVE TERMS OF DEPORTATION

6 November 2003 – To avoid great inconvenience and even imprisonment or fines, Foreign Affairs Blas F. Ople today called Filipinos who had been deported, including those who had been voluntarily deported or those who had availed of amnesty programs, to observe the rules that governed their deportation.

“Countries around the world have been implementing measures to monitor the possible re-entry of persons that they had deported. I ask Filipinos concerned not to run the risk of imprisonment by violating the terms of their deportation,” the Secretary said.

The Secretary made this statement after the the Department of Foreign Affairs recently received the report of the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi that Filipino deportees, who availed themselves of the amnesty granted by United Arab Emirates authorities early this year, were subjected to a retinal scan prior to deportation to ensure that deportees observe the one-year ban from re-entering the country. This measure is being applied to all deportees from the UAE and not only to Filipinos. In a bid to update its central database on security and immigration, the UAE immigration authorities now institute the retinal scan for incoming aliens.

“While countries are entitled to take measures relating to the entry of non-nationals, our embassies are always on the look out to ensure that these measures do not violate the human rights and dignity of our overseas Filipinos,” Secretary Ople said.

In the specific case of the UAE, he said that “While the application of retinal scan is done randomly or according to certain visa categories, our embassy in Abu Dhabi is nevertheless instructed to monitor this development to ensure that the rights of the Filipino workers/individuals are protected accordingly without any taint of discrimination,” the Secretary stated.

The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi further reported that other Filipino nationals, not necessarily deportees, who have retinal scan on file, may also be subjected to detention if they have pending cases/complaints against them.

PRESS RELEASE NO. 28:PCCS STREAMLINES OPERATIONS; TRANSFERS HEADQUARTERS TO DFA BUILDING

06 November 2003 - With the view of streamlining and winding down its operations, the Philippine Claims and Compensation Committee Secretariat (PCCCS) will be transferring its operations to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Building from its current location in the PNB Financial Center. The PCCCS expects to finish its task of distributing Gulf War compensation to qualified applicants in the very near future.

Starting 01 December 2003, the new PCCCS office will be located at:

Philippine Claims and Compensation Committee Secretariat

Third Floor DFA Building

2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

Wew trunkline 834-4000.

As of 31 July 2003, a total of 60,666 war damage claims have already been paid by PCCCS with the compensation amounting to US$ 152.5 M (P8.2 B). To date, there are no more Gulf War claims being filed as the extension period for filing of claims has already lapsed last year. The PCCCS is now focusing its efforts on locating the “unlocated” claimants, processing the claims filed during the 2002 extension period and documenting its operations since its creation in 1991.

It may be recalled that the United Nations Compensation Commission (UNCC) granted an extension for filing of claims from May to September 2002. This came in response to the Philippine Government’s request for the UNCC to accommodate the register of Filipino Gulf war victims who were not able to lodge their claims before the original filing deadline.

The Philippine Government, which is one of the governments that submitted claims for their nationals after the Gulf War, created the Philippine Claims and Compensation Committee (PCCC) through Executive Order No. 487, series of 1991. Its main tasks are to undertake information dissemination, accept, verify and process all claims/applications by Filipino contract workers, companies or agencies affected by Iraq’s actions in Kuwait from 1990 to 1991 and to submit these to the UNCC. The PCCC is chaired by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, with the Secretary of Labor as vice chair. Member agencies are the Department of Justice, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Philippine Information Agency.