Press Release
September 3, 2008

ESPERON SHOULD GO WITH THE DISSOLUTION OF THE PEACE PANEL

Opposition Senator Chiz Escudero today said the dissolution of the government peace panel should be matched with the sacking of President Arroyo's adviser on peace process.

"With the fading of the peace panel so should Hermogenes Esperon and all those responsible for the bungling of the MOA-AD fade from the government" Escudero said.

Escudero had opposed Esperon's appointment as peace adviser saying he is a paradox to peace process because "all throughout his military life was devoted to searching and destroying the enemies".

The senator was also among the first to oppose the signing of the MOA on ancestral domain due its loopholes that leave so many legal and constitutional issues.

The disbanding of the peace panel, Escudero said is an admission that the government botched the MOA-AD and the process they took in seeking an agreement towards peace in Mindanao.

"It is good to see that the administration is trying to rectify its mistake by dissolving the peace panel. This is an opportune time for them try a new road map concerning the problem in Mindanao".

He called on the government to localize the peace talks so as not to isolate any stakeholder in Mindanao.

He said peace talks between and among different clan, tribe and religious leaders should be undertaken. This will enable direct participation of all residents of Mindanao where the real pulse of the people can be felt and genuine consensus can be made".

In taking this method, Escudero said the government only needs a consolidator, someone who has the real expertise and who truly understands peace talks.

"Peace in Mindanao being fragile should be overseen by someone who can placate fears and remove doubts among all stakeholders in Mindanao."

He said if the government wants a fresh start in finding a durable political solution in Mindanao, it better remove Esperon and all those who were involved in botching the MOA-AD.

"They all ought to go because instead of putting rhyme and reason to the peace process, they become parties to further divides."

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