Press Release
April 1, 2009

Press statement of Senator Loren Legarda

SULU STANDOFF

The decision of the Abu Sayaff not to carry out its reported threat to decapitate one of its three ICRC hostages provides a breathing space for resumption of negotiations for their release. I appeal to both sides to practice restraint and prudence. Nothing can be settled through more bloodshed.

The table must always be cleared for negotiations up to the last minute.

ON "TRANSITION GOVERNMENT" PROPOSAL

The proposal of Malacañang National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales to postpone the 2010 elections and form a "transitional" government to prepare for a new system of government is alarming...and suspicious. Considering that Gonzales is a top official of the administration, no less than the security adviser of the President, his public utterances cannot but be given weight.

Is he floating an idea, considering that the prospect for amending the Constitution before the elections appear to be retreating in the face of fierce public opposition? Does he have in mind prolonging the power of the present administration by other means? I urge the public to be vigilant. There is no reason to postpone the election. If that happens it would be another big blow to our democracy and civil rights.

MORE JOBS AT HOME

With job opportunities abroad dwindling because of the global economic downturn, it is time for our government to develop strategies for future economic growth. The strategy of export orientation, whereby our government concentrates on exports of raw materials to increase national income, seems to have reached a dead end.

We must therefore start viewing nationalist industrialization to create jobs, produce manufactured commodities for local consumption and lower our dependence on imports to save on foreign exchange. We can start with small and medium industries which can start producing the manufactured products that we consume at home and develop them to large industries with economies of scale.

This strategy will create an unending source of jobs because processing and manufacturing have a tendency for prolonged growth. We have a market of 90 million consumers, much larger than the markets of Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand which have attained a degree of industrialization that cater to the local market. Because of higher national income we shall be able to accommodate more of our medical professionals like nurses and doctors for local practice.

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