Press statement of Senator Loren Legarda

ON MORO INSURGENCY

The national government should seriously consider the recommendations of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) for a final solution to the long running Muslim insurgency problem in Southern Mindanao. Thirty-seven years have passed since the insurgency broke out in 1972 after the proclamation of martial law.

So much blood has been shed and so much treasure has been drained as a consequence of the conflict. The war has not only divided our country, it has made it poorer. What is needed is more imagination and stronger leadership to convince and lead our people into a permanent pact of peace so that we can move on.

The OIC, composed of 57 Islamic states, including our neighbors, Malaysia and Indonesia, is an influential group in the United Nations and cannot just be ignored. It was our government after all that invited OIC to help negotiate a peace agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front. Let us negotiate with open hearts and open minds. We cannot leave this conflict to the next generation to resolve and risk more bloodshed and futile public spending.

ON THE ABU SAYAFF

In the current hostage standoff between the military and the Abu Sayaff, the main concern for the moment should be to insure the lives and safety of the three innocent hostages.

There is nothing wrong with the government in listening to the demands of the Abu Sayaff if that would mean saving the lives of the hostages. Once the government hears of the demands of the Abu Sayaff, progress could be made toward the release of the hostages.

As it was said of the Vietnam conflict, talk-talk is better than war-war.

WORLD WATER DAY

The severe pollution of the Pasig River is symbolic of our government's neglect of rivers, seas and other waterways. Water is life. We waste or pollute it at the risk of the quality of life and very survival of our people.

I suggest that the government include among the projects to be financed by the stimulus economic package the revival of the Pasig River and its tributaries in Metro Manila and surrounding areas. We should include all other endangered major waterways in other cities and regions of our archipelago.

In this way we provide constructive employment to thousands of unemployed and at the same time conserve our fresh water and ocean resources, improve the environment and enhance the lives of millions of families who depend on these resources for their livelihood.