September 09, 2009 17:48:00
Dr. Bernardo Villegas
INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—I have no doubts that to millions of OFWs everywhere, world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao is a source of great pride. He is acclaimed as the best boxer pound for pound in the whole world.
All of us Filipinos are now hoping and praying that he will once again triumph on November 14, 2009 when he faces Miguel Coto for the world welterweight title.
In his last celebrated match with Ricky Hatton, he brought untold glory to the Philippines. And he did it with such humility and grace. Furthermore, he gave the millions of people all over the world who witnessed the fight an outstanding example of how he takes his Catholic faith seriously, throwing away any human respect by praying openly (especially in a country where displaying a crucifix publicly is declared illegal in some states).
Finally, as an economist, I can say that his victory in the ring could not have come at a better time. He did much to boost the optimism of his countrymen, counteracting the worldwide gloom brought about by the global recession. He might not have been aware of it but the high spirits of Filipinos could have added a few decimal points to the growth of our GDP this year since an optimistic mood usually contributes to higher consumption, all other things being equal. His possible victory over Coto could even make a 5 percent growth of GDP possible in 2010.
I am, however, very concerned about the advice Manny is getting from some people who may not necessarily be thinking of his welfare but of their own selfish interests. I am referring to his considering to run again for another political position.
Let us all join forces in giving him unsolicited advice. Manny, please avoid politics like the plague. You can do much more good for your country by devoting all your energies and resources to training some promising young Filipino boxers so that they can reap all the medals possible in boxing during the next Olympics in London in 2012. You have proved that Filipinos can be world class in boxing. With your leadership and guidance, the Philippines can be a world power in boxing in very much the same way that a small and poor country like Ethiopia has produced champions in track and field.
Just think of how a good number of young Filipinos are following your footsteps. Recently, Marvin Sonsona won the superflyweight championship. Then there are Donny Nietes, who is the minimum weight king; Nonito Donaire, superflyweight champ; and Brian Viloria, who bagged the lightflyweight prize. There must be many young Filipino teenagers who are still amateur boxers whom you can take under your wings and prepare them to win Olympic medals in 2012.
I have talked to my colleagues at the Makati Business Club and they are ready to mobilize support for you if you decide to be the boxing czar of the Philippines. I am sure your friend Manny Pangilinan will also be more than happy to help in your efforts to prepare Filipino boxers to win medals in the Olympics of 2012. There is no other person better situated and qualified than you to help our country finally stop the very long drought that we have suffered in the world Olympics. Without underestimating your leadership qualities that can be tapped in a political post, what we economists call the "opportunity cost" of your unique talents in boxing is too high to be wasted in what could be a mediocre post in local politics. There are others who can do that job. There is only one Manny Pacquiao who can bring more boxing glory to the Philippines.
Pushing our luck further in giving you unsolicited advice, let us also suggest that instead of getting involved in local politics in your region of Southern Cotabato you may want to support through your foundation some worthy NGOs that are contributing to the eradication of poverty. Among others, there is the Business Resource Center of the Notre Dame University of General Santos. It is one of the few local think tanks in the whole Philippines that are helping both government officials and private entrepreneurs to formulate realistic development plans for the good of the region. It conducts research on the economic situation in Southern Cotabato and identifies investment prospects for entrepreneurs. The BRC can help you identify development programs that you may want to support for the welfare of the entire region of Southern Cotabato.
You may also identify projects of Gawad Kalinga that has devised the most efficient approach to providing housing for the poor in the context of a holistic approach to community development. Then there are training programs for industrial workers as well as farmers that have been successful in other regions that you may want to have replicated in Southern Cotabato. In this search for effective models for poverty eradication, BRC can also help you identify the right partners. In short, I am asking you to act like a Bill Gates who uses a great part of his wealth to address the needs of the underprivileged in many parts of the world. Your world could be General Santos City and the surrounding areas.
If after eight years of producing world-class boxers for the 2012 and 2016 Olympics while acting as a local version of Bill Gates, you still aspire to enter politics, then you will be in a better position to convince the voters to elect you for a high national office, even as President, after you turn forty in 2019. By then, you would have brought more glory to the Philippines and would have acquired much knowledge about the requirements of development. But for now, we sincerely believe that entering politics can do you more harm than good. The email address of Manny Pacquiao is mannypacquiao@abante-tonite.com.
For comments, my email address is bvillegas@uap.edu.ph.
SOURCE
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Pacquiao throws first punch in political battle for Sarangani
MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao has thrown the first punch in his upcoming political battle against a well-known clan in Sarangani, signaling the start of election season in the southern province.
Pacquiao will once again try his luck in the political ring in next year’s elections, this time running in the lone congressional district of Sarangani where he is expected to face a member of the Chiongbian family.
The world’s top pound-for-pound fighter, in an interview aired in GMA’s Weekend Report, said the main reason he is running in Sarangani is that he failed to see any significant change during the Chiongbians' 14-year reign in the House of Representatives accusing the long-time political clan of doing nothing to uplift the lives of the poor.
“Kung satisfied ako siguro sa ginagawa nila ‘di na ako tatakbo dahil masaya ako. Susuportahan ko na lang sila," said Pacquiao.
“Nakita ko naman na kulang talaga. In how many years, wala silang naitulong sa mga tao," he added.
The statement did not sit well with incumbent Rep. Erwin Chiongbian, who vowed that his family would not give up the congressional post easily.
The Chiongbians are known as a political dynasty in Sarangani. The late James L. Chiongbian is considered as the father of the province, having helped pass House Bill 00046 that created Sarangani as a separate province from South Cotabato.
The three-term lawmaker said a member of his family would run in the 2010 elections to replace him in the House of Representatives. “That’s our intention because we cannot abandon the province," he said.
Even as he acknowledged that Pacquiao has the fame and resources to launch a formidable campaign, Chiongbian said the people of Sarangani province would ultimately be the ones to decide in the 2010 elections.
“This is politics. It's different from boxing. If it’s boxing, I give up," said the 65-year-old lawmaker.
Pacquiao has announced his intention of seeking a congressional seat in Sarangani, his wife Jinkee’s province, in the 2010 national elections.
The reigning International Boxing Organization (IBO) light welterweight champion’s party, the People's Champ Movement (PCM), has been accredited by the Commission on Elections at the local level.
Pacquiao ran for a congressional seat in 2007 in the first district of South Cotabato as an adopted member of Kampi, the political party of President Gloria Arroyo.
However, he was knocked out by re-electionist Darlene Antonino-Custodio, who handily beat the boxing champ with a margin of more than 60,000 votes. - JONATHAN PEREZ, GMANews.TV
SOURCE
Pacquiao will once again try his luck in the political ring in next year’s elections, this time running in the lone congressional district of Sarangani where he is expected to face a member of the Chiongbian family.
The world’s top pound-for-pound fighter, in an interview aired in GMA’s Weekend Report, said the main reason he is running in Sarangani is that he failed to see any significant change during the Chiongbians' 14-year reign in the House of Representatives accusing the long-time political clan of doing nothing to uplift the lives of the poor.
“Kung satisfied ako siguro sa ginagawa nila ‘di na ako tatakbo dahil masaya ako. Susuportahan ko na lang sila," said Pacquiao.
“Nakita ko naman na kulang talaga. In how many years, wala silang naitulong sa mga tao," he added.
The statement did not sit well with incumbent Rep. Erwin Chiongbian, who vowed that his family would not give up the congressional post easily.
The Chiongbians are known as a political dynasty in Sarangani. The late James L. Chiongbian is considered as the father of the province, having helped pass House Bill 00046 that created Sarangani as a separate province from South Cotabato.
The three-term lawmaker said a member of his family would run in the 2010 elections to replace him in the House of Representatives. “That’s our intention because we cannot abandon the province," he said.
Even as he acknowledged that Pacquiao has the fame and resources to launch a formidable campaign, Chiongbian said the people of Sarangani province would ultimately be the ones to decide in the 2010 elections.
“This is politics. It's different from boxing. If it’s boxing, I give up," said the 65-year-old lawmaker.
Pacquiao has announced his intention of seeking a congressional seat in Sarangani, his wife Jinkee’s province, in the 2010 national elections.
The reigning International Boxing Organization (IBO) light welterweight champion’s party, the People's Champ Movement (PCM), has been accredited by the Commission on Elections at the local level.
Pacquiao ran for a congressional seat in 2007 in the first district of South Cotabato as an adopted member of Kampi, the political party of President Gloria Arroyo.
However, he was knocked out by re-electionist Darlene Antonino-Custodio, who handily beat the boxing champ with a margin of more than 60,000 votes. - JONATHAN PEREZ, GMANews.TV
SOURCE
Stick to boxing, bishop urges Pacquiao
MANILA, Philippines – People's champion Manny Pacquiao should stick to boxing instead of running for Congress in 2010, a Church official today said.
Marbel bishop Dinualdo Gutirrez said if Pacquiao really wants to help his constituents in Saranggani province, the world's No. 1 pound-for-pound boxer can put up a foundation that will send children to school or provide jobs to the unemployed.
"He could put up a foundation for example, scholarships, foundation for health care, foundation for a jobs, he can do that instead. He must capitalize on his stature to get some credible and competent people to manage the foundation," Gutierrez said today in an interview with the Church-run Radio Veritas.
The bishop said Pacquiao will most likely lose again in his congressional, this time in Saranggani province, for his lack of political experience and credibility. He previously ran for congressman in South Cotabato and suffered a lopsided defeat to incumbent Darlene Custodio.
"Here we follow the three three Cs in voting candidates: credibility, commitment and competence. (In the) last election, we said he (Pacquiao) had credibility. He also had commitment to the Filipino people especially the poor. But in the field of competence, he fails. And this time, even his credibility is being questioned now," Gutierrez said.
He said Pacquiao's association with gamblers is also one factor that would go against the boxing icon.
"Especially with his gambler friends and the way he is getting lands here are all questionable. We have to look into that deeper," he said.
Gutierrez claimed that some friends and administration officials are the ones who have prodded Pacquiao to run for an elective post despite his lack of political experience.
SOURCE
Marbel bishop Dinualdo Gutirrez said if Pacquiao really wants to help his constituents in Saranggani province, the world's No. 1 pound-for-pound boxer can put up a foundation that will send children to school or provide jobs to the unemployed.
"He could put up a foundation for example, scholarships, foundation for health care, foundation for a jobs, he can do that instead. He must capitalize on his stature to get some credible and competent people to manage the foundation," Gutierrez said today in an interview with the Church-run Radio Veritas.
The bishop said Pacquiao will most likely lose again in his congressional, this time in Saranggani province, for his lack of political experience and credibility. He previously ran for congressman in South Cotabato and suffered a lopsided defeat to incumbent Darlene Custodio.
"Here we follow the three three Cs in voting candidates: credibility, commitment and competence. (In the) last election, we said he (Pacquiao) had credibility. He also had commitment to the Filipino people especially the poor. But in the field of competence, he fails. And this time, even his credibility is being questioned now," Gutierrez said.
He said Pacquiao's association with gamblers is also one factor that would go against the boxing icon.
"Especially with his gambler friends and the way he is getting lands here are all questionable. We have to look into that deeper," he said.
Gutierrez claimed that some friends and administration officials are the ones who have prodded Pacquiao to run for an elective post despite his lack of political experience.
SOURCE
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
November fight may be the last for politics-bound Pacquiao
MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao appears bent on entering the political ring that he is seriously contemplating leaving the boxing ring for good.
The reigning pound-for-pound king declared he is good for one last fight, his projected November 14 gig at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas intended to be his swan song.
“Siguro last fight ko na ito para magserbisyo naman ako sa mga tao," Pacquiao said in an interview on 24 Oras.
“Ang mama ko nga ayaw na niya akong lumaban pero sabi ko, kaya ko pa naman, isa pa," added the two-time Fighter of the Year, whose camp is currently in negotiations with WBA welterweight champion Miguel Cotto for a possible showdown.
Pacquiao is eyeing a congressional post in Saranggani Province in next year’s elections and he has already set the wheels in motion for this bid by forming his own local party, the People’s Champ Movement, and setting residence in the province.
Over the weekend, he graced the celebrations for the founding anniversary of the district of Malapatan, where he publicly expressed his intention to serve them as congressman.
“Itong mga kamao ko na ginamit ko pang-knockout sa mga kalaban sa boxing, gagamitin ko para makatulong sa inyo," he told his highly-appreciative “constituents."
To show his seriousness to help the townsfolk, Pacquiao, one of the highest-paid athletes in the world according to Forbes magazine and one of the most influential people based on a list by Time magazine, donated an ambulance and fire-truck for the district’s use.
This would be the Pacman’s second attempt at a House seat after getting knocked out in 2007 by incumbent Rep. Darlene Custodio over in South Cotabato district.
But before Pacquiao could train his 100 percent attention to politics, he has to take care of one more business in the ring first.
Currently, his promoter is in talks with fellow Top Rank fighter Cotto for his “lash hurrah."
The Filipino ring icon himself had greenlit the negotiations with Cotto after personally seeing the Puerto Rican fight and escape with a split decision win over challenger Joshua Clottey in New York last June 13.
Top Rank boss Bob Arum had expressed confidence he would get Pacquiao and Cotto to sign on soon for what he described as a terrific fight. Among the issues still to be ironed out are the purse split and possible catch weight. – GMANews.Tv
SOURCE
The reigning pound-for-pound king declared he is good for one last fight, his projected November 14 gig at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas intended to be his swan song.
“Siguro last fight ko na ito para magserbisyo naman ako sa mga tao," Pacquiao said in an interview on 24 Oras.
“Ang mama ko nga ayaw na niya akong lumaban pero sabi ko, kaya ko pa naman, isa pa," added the two-time Fighter of the Year, whose camp is currently in negotiations with WBA welterweight champion Miguel Cotto for a possible showdown.
Pacquiao is eyeing a congressional post in Saranggani Province in next year’s elections and he has already set the wheels in motion for this bid by forming his own local party, the People’s Champ Movement, and setting residence in the province.
Over the weekend, he graced the celebrations for the founding anniversary of the district of Malapatan, where he publicly expressed his intention to serve them as congressman.
“Itong mga kamao ko na ginamit ko pang-knockout sa mga kalaban sa boxing, gagamitin ko para makatulong sa inyo," he told his highly-appreciative “constituents."
To show his seriousness to help the townsfolk, Pacquiao, one of the highest-paid athletes in the world according to Forbes magazine and one of the most influential people based on a list by Time magazine, donated an ambulance and fire-truck for the district’s use.
This would be the Pacman’s second attempt at a House seat after getting knocked out in 2007 by incumbent Rep. Darlene Custodio over in South Cotabato district.
But before Pacquiao could train his 100 percent attention to politics, he has to take care of one more business in the ring first.
Currently, his promoter is in talks with fellow Top Rank fighter Cotto for his “lash hurrah."
The Filipino ring icon himself had greenlit the negotiations with Cotto after personally seeing the Puerto Rican fight and escape with a split decision win over challenger Joshua Clottey in New York last June 13.
Top Rank boss Bob Arum had expressed confidence he would get Pacquiao and Cotto to sign on soon for what he described as a terrific fight. Among the issues still to be ironed out are the purse split and possible catch weight. – GMANews.Tv
SOURCE
Friday, June 19, 2009
Erap endorses 'Pacman' for Congress
Manny Pacquiao’s political aspiration got a “major boost” after former President Joseph Estrada endorsed his plan to run as representative of Sarangani Province.
Estrada extended his political support for Pacquiao during his visit to General Santos City on Thursday.
“Hindi lang ako, buong bayan [ini-]endorse si Manny,” said Estrada. “Si Manny galing sa hirap kaya gusto niyang tulungan mga kababayan niyang mahihirap dito.”
He then raised the boxer’s hand as if to signify a sure political winner.
“Hindi ko maipakita sobrang tuwa ko sa suporta niya. Maraming salamat,” said the delighted Pacquiao. “’Di lang sa boxing niya ako sinuportahan kundi pati sa pangarap ko sa buhay.”
Pacquiao thanked Estrada for accepting his invitation to visit GenSan.
He said it was an honor to have been paid a visit by the opposition leader.
“Karangalan na bisitahin at paunlakan ang imbitasyon ko ng mahal na pangulong Erap. Malaking karangalan na nabisita at pinagbigyan niya ang imbitasyon ko,” said the international boxing superstar.
Pacquiao and Estrada said they are open to the possibility of “combining their forces” for the local elections, despite the boxer’s ties with the administration.
Pacquiao was allied with administration parties Lakas-CMD and Kampi during the 2007 elections when he ran for congressman in South Cotabato. He, however, lost to incumbent Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio of the opposition. -- With a report from Sheryl Mundo, ABS-CBN News
SOURCE
Estrada extended his political support for Pacquiao during his visit to General Santos City on Thursday.
“Hindi lang ako, buong bayan [ini-]endorse si Manny,” said Estrada. “Si Manny galing sa hirap kaya gusto niyang tulungan mga kababayan niyang mahihirap dito.”
He then raised the boxer’s hand as if to signify a sure political winner.
“Hindi ko maipakita sobrang tuwa ko sa suporta niya. Maraming salamat,” said the delighted Pacquiao. “’Di lang sa boxing niya ako sinuportahan kundi pati sa pangarap ko sa buhay.”
Pacquiao thanked Estrada for accepting his invitation to visit GenSan.
He said it was an honor to have been paid a visit by the opposition leader.
“Karangalan na bisitahin at paunlakan ang imbitasyon ko ng mahal na pangulong Erap. Malaking karangalan na nabisita at pinagbigyan niya ang imbitasyon ko,” said the international boxing superstar.
Pacquiao and Estrada said they are open to the possibility of “combining their forces” for the local elections, despite the boxer’s ties with the administration.
Pacquiao was allied with administration parties Lakas-CMD and Kampi during the 2007 elections when he ran for congressman in South Cotabato. He, however, lost to incumbent Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio of the opposition. -- With a report from Sheryl Mundo, ABS-CBN News
SOURCE
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
‘Ambassador’ Pacquiao to launch ‘boxing for peace and understanding’
MANILA, Philippines – “Ambassador for peace and understanding" Manny Pacquiao will assist President Arroyo in launching a groundbreaking tournament featuring amateur boxers from the military, police and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Dubbed as the “Tournament for Peace and Understanding," the competition for non RP team pugilists will coincide with the inauguration of the Philippine Sports Commission-Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines Gym at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex later this month.
Pacquiao, recognized as the best fighter in the world today, and the President will be joined in the landmark event by PSC chairman Harry Angping, ABAP chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, ABAP president Ricky Vargas, and dignitaries from the government, private and sports sectors.
“The idea for this unique contest was hatched during an affair at the Palace attended by (PSC) Chairman Angping and Manny Pacquiao," ABAP executive director Ed Picson said, referring to the Pacman's courtesy call last week after his victory over Ricky Hatton.
“It is designed to foster camaraderie through sports among the military, the police, the MILF and the MNLF. And that instead of fighting it out in the battlefields, they can duke it out in the boxing ring and then embrace each other after the bouts," he added.
The tournament calls for each team to have three to six participants, with the competition lasting three to four days and serving as prototype for future nationwide tourneys of the same objective.
This will be the first time in boxing history that elements from MNLF and MILF will be invited to participate in a boxing competition along with the military services and the national police.
“With the PSC-ABAP gym’s inauguration, the President must have thought it providential to launch a sports event that will promote brotherhood and goodwill among Filipinos," Picson said.
Invited to do the blessing for the two-story edifice, complete with a standard-sized ring and air-conditioned living quarters, is Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales. - GMANews.TV
SOURCE
Dubbed as the “Tournament for Peace and Understanding," the competition for non RP team pugilists will coincide with the inauguration of the Philippine Sports Commission-Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines Gym at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex later this month.
Pacquiao, recognized as the best fighter in the world today, and the President will be joined in the landmark event by PSC chairman Harry Angping, ABAP chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, ABAP president Ricky Vargas, and dignitaries from the government, private and sports sectors.
“The idea for this unique contest was hatched during an affair at the Palace attended by (PSC) Chairman Angping and Manny Pacquiao," ABAP executive director Ed Picson said, referring to the Pacman's courtesy call last week after his victory over Ricky Hatton.
“It is designed to foster camaraderie through sports among the military, the police, the MILF and the MNLF. And that instead of fighting it out in the battlefields, they can duke it out in the boxing ring and then embrace each other after the bouts," he added.
The tournament calls for each team to have three to six participants, with the competition lasting three to four days and serving as prototype for future nationwide tourneys of the same objective.
This will be the first time in boxing history that elements from MNLF and MILF will be invited to participate in a boxing competition along with the military services and the national police.
“With the PSC-ABAP gym’s inauguration, the President must have thought it providential to launch a sports event that will promote brotherhood and goodwill among Filipinos," Picson said.
Invited to do the blessing for the two-story edifice, complete with a standard-sized ring and air-conditioned living quarters, is Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales. - GMANews.TV
SOURCE
Pacquiao calls on NPA rebels to end fighting
MANILA, Philippines - Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao on Tuesday called on the New People’s Army to end its almost four-decade-long insurgency.
Pacquiao, in an ambush interview Tuesday in General Santos City, said he would like to try the role of a peace maker and vowed to do everything he can to convince the rebels to lay down their arms.
The boxer, who has initially been named ambassador of peace understanding and later called by President Arroyo as “apostle of peace and understanding," attended the Social Integration Program (SIP) presentation and awarding ceremony to seven former rebels in Phela Grande Convention Center in General Santos.
“Katulad ngayon, masaya tayo dahil may mga ilang kababayang rebels na nagbalik sa pamahalaan, masaya tayo diyan…At nanawagan ako sa lahat na nasa bundok pa pwede na silang bumalik loob sa pamahalaan. Pwede akong kausapin nila at tawagan," he added.
(Right now, I am happy because some of our rebel brothers have returned to the folds of the law…I calling on other rebels to lay down their arms too. They can call me and I will talk to them.)
Talks resumption
Presidential adviser on the peace process Avelino Razon Jr. said the government is looking at the possible resumption of negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) within the next two months.
“We have good news. It seems that both panels, the government panel and the CPP-NPA-NDF, are now ready to return to the negotiating table," Razon said in a briefing in General Santos City.
He said it is now just a matter of continuing the informal meetings to be able to set the agenda and set the date for the formal meeting.
“We are looking at sometime end of June or July makikita natin ito in progress," he added.
Razon, in a text message, said Norway remains the facilitator of the talks between the government and the CPP-NPA-NDF and are expected to host the formal talk when it resumes.
Asked if some of the points raised by the CPP-NPA-NDF had already been addressed or resolved, he said it would be discussed when the panels meet.
Symbol of peace
Razon said Pacquiao has been tapped to be the “symbol" of peace and unity because each time he fights communist and Muslim insurgents were drawn away briefly from combat duties to watch the bout.
President Arroyo said she depends on Pacquiao to become an instrument of peace in Mindanao, citing that his “heart, valiance, dignity and love of God and of our country exemplify the indomitable and triumphant Filipino Spirit."
“We are truly proud of Manny as he also champions the Filipino, inspiring the Filipino to dare to dream, and to realize that dream, and win over the challenges that came our way," she said in the Visayan language.
She added that Pacquiao, who has humble beginnings before becoming a multi-millionaire by winning many world titles in boxing, is proof that if one sets his heart in the right direction, choose to serve a higher and nobler purpose, and put God and country before self, then nothing is impossible to achieve..
Arroyo, during the SIP ceremony, assured former rebels that her government is always there to “help," as she branded the insurgency movement as a “misguided rebel movement in our country."
She expressed hope the rebel-returnees would encourage others who remain in the mountains “to give up the way of violence and embrace the path of peace and development."
The President added that the SIP offers former rebels better opportunities. Under the SIP, the former rebels are now referred to as the “Kabalikat sa Reporma" where they and their dependents are provided with means to that would help facilitate their integration into mainstream society to become productive members of their communities.
Assistance package
The immediate assistance includes P20,000 as immediate economic assistance, P50,000 as capital assistance in the form of working animals, farm implements, and/or and sari-sari store goods, among others to help them rebuild their economic and social lives. Those who surrendered their firearms would get additional funds like P50,000 for an M16 or M14 rifle.
Razon said each returnee would also be provided seminar-workshops where they are briefed and acquainted with other program opportunities they can avail of, including livelihood packages, employment, training and education assistance.
He said that to date, 513 former rebels have already given assistance while 291 more are being processed since the SIP was launched 11 months ago. He said a total of 288 firearms have also already been surrendered by former rebels. - GMANews.TV
SOURCE
Pacquiao, in an ambush interview Tuesday in General Santos City, said he would like to try the role of a peace maker and vowed to do everything he can to convince the rebels to lay down their arms.
The boxer, who has initially been named ambassador of peace understanding and later called by President Arroyo as “apostle of peace and understanding," attended the Social Integration Program (SIP) presentation and awarding ceremony to seven former rebels in Phela Grande Convention Center in General Santos.
“Katulad ngayon, masaya tayo dahil may mga ilang kababayang rebels na nagbalik sa pamahalaan, masaya tayo diyan…At nanawagan ako sa lahat na nasa bundok pa pwede na silang bumalik loob sa pamahalaan. Pwede akong kausapin nila at tawagan," he added.
(Right now, I am happy because some of our rebel brothers have returned to the folds of the law…I calling on other rebels to lay down their arms too. They can call me and I will talk to them.)
Talks resumption
Presidential adviser on the peace process Avelino Razon Jr. said the government is looking at the possible resumption of negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) within the next two months.
“We have good news. It seems that both panels, the government panel and the CPP-NPA-NDF, are now ready to return to the negotiating table," Razon said in a briefing in General Santos City.
He said it is now just a matter of continuing the informal meetings to be able to set the agenda and set the date for the formal meeting.
“We are looking at sometime end of June or July makikita natin ito in progress," he added.
Razon, in a text message, said Norway remains the facilitator of the talks between the government and the CPP-NPA-NDF and are expected to host the formal talk when it resumes.
Asked if some of the points raised by the CPP-NPA-NDF had already been addressed or resolved, he said it would be discussed when the panels meet.
Symbol of peace
Razon said Pacquiao has been tapped to be the “symbol" of peace and unity because each time he fights communist and Muslim insurgents were drawn away briefly from combat duties to watch the bout.
President Arroyo said she depends on Pacquiao to become an instrument of peace in Mindanao, citing that his “heart, valiance, dignity and love of God and of our country exemplify the indomitable and triumphant Filipino Spirit."
“We are truly proud of Manny as he also champions the Filipino, inspiring the Filipino to dare to dream, and to realize that dream, and win over the challenges that came our way," she said in the Visayan language.
She added that Pacquiao, who has humble beginnings before becoming a multi-millionaire by winning many world titles in boxing, is proof that if one sets his heart in the right direction, choose to serve a higher and nobler purpose, and put God and country before self, then nothing is impossible to achieve..
Arroyo, during the SIP ceremony, assured former rebels that her government is always there to “help," as she branded the insurgency movement as a “misguided rebel movement in our country."
She expressed hope the rebel-returnees would encourage others who remain in the mountains “to give up the way of violence and embrace the path of peace and development."
The President added that the SIP offers former rebels better opportunities. Under the SIP, the former rebels are now referred to as the “Kabalikat sa Reporma" where they and their dependents are provided with means to that would help facilitate their integration into mainstream society to become productive members of their communities.
Assistance package
The immediate assistance includes P20,000 as immediate economic assistance, P50,000 as capital assistance in the form of working animals, farm implements, and/or and sari-sari store goods, among others to help them rebuild their economic and social lives. Those who surrendered their firearms would get additional funds like P50,000 for an M16 or M14 rifle.
Razon said each returnee would also be provided seminar-workshops where they are briefed and acquainted with other program opportunities they can avail of, including livelihood packages, employment, training and education assistance.
He said that to date, 513 former rebels have already given assistance while 291 more are being processed since the SIP was launched 11 months ago. He said a total of 288 firearms have also already been surrendered by former rebels. - GMANews.TV
SOURCE
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