SENATOR GUINGONA ADDRESSED THE
MINDANAO SOLIDARITY NETWORK

Senator Teofisto "TG" Guingona III was recently invited as a resource person in the Focus Group Discussion of the Mindanao Solidarity Network held on 28 September 2011 at Serye, Quezon Circle.

The forum was conducted to solidify civil societies, NGOs and other concerned individuals towards a peaceful and progressive Mindanao; to identify issues, specifically, the peace talks and the implications in Mindanao; and to support initiatives taken for Mindanao advocacy.

The event was held to rally Manila based groups to form a formidable force that will support the peace process in Mindanao and President Aquino's mandate to end the conflict.

Participants include representatives from the PNP, Meradeka, CHS-ICPI, MSN-Balay Rehabilitation Center, GenPeace, Sulong CH, academe, Fr. Bert Alejo; S.J. and other Mindanao based organizations.

In his speech, Sen. Guingona said that the Legislative is the government's political arm that formulates the laws in accordance with the government's policies and projects. He pointed out that the Legislature does not intend to meddle beyond its functions in the peace talks and other Mindanao-related issues. Accordingly, he called for support from the concerned people or group to help define the specific role of legislature.