Press Release
May 3, 2009

Press statement of Sen. Loren Legarda

ON RP-MILF CONFLICT

Our government should give continued priority to solving the insurgency in the South. The United Nations report that the Philippines had the biggest number of displaced persons (600,000) due to conflict in Mindanao last year is an eye-opener. The report did not mention the casualties on both sides of the conflict, both in death and injuries, which could number to thousands. Then there is of course the damage to our economy, which drains government funds and sets back development.

The negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front should resume as soon as possible. Each side should realize that prolonging the conflict would cause more sufferings to our people, especially civilians. Both side should study carefully the Supreme Court decision on the memorandum on agreement on ancestral domain and see if they could agree on a compromise that would substantially settle the issue.

ON SWINE FLU

Despite reports by experts that the Swine flu is not as lethal nor has as much staying power as other flu virus, the Philippine government must not relax its vigilance against the spread of the disease to our shores. The fact that the virus has already affected Hong Kong, our next door neighbor, indicates that the threat to our islands is increasing.

Hong Kong is not only near our shores it is the choice destination many of our people for vacation, commerce or job search. Our airport, immigration and health authorities should therefore be strict in inspecting travelers form Hong Kong to detect any virus affecting them and take necessary measures, including quarantine. Our relevant authorities should be commended for their competence in implementing our high alert status, but they should not lay down their guard.

PACQUIAO-HATTON FIGHT

I congratulate Manny Pacquiao on his victory. His triumph is shared by the entire Filipino people to whom he had dedicated his record-breaking fight. But it is as much as an individual triumph arising from his indubitable courage, his solid self-discipline and his single-minded determination win.

Manny Pacquiao has given notice to the world of the prowess and fighting spirit of the Filipino. He has single-handedly raised the prestige of the Filipinos as courageous, disciplined and patriotic. Just like our Overseas Filipino Workers, Pacquiao deserves the title of "hero".

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