Press statement of Senator Loren Legarda

ON THE MINDANAO CONFLICT

Our focus on politics should not blind us to the continuing conflict in Mindanao which, according to reports, is now causing more displaced persons in the Philippines than anywhere else in the world. The government should concentrate on resolving the conflict with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in order to stop the long-lasting human tragedy in that island of promise.

We should not depend solely on the good offices of our country's neighbors like Malaysia and Indonesia to end the war. The government must itself initiate the resumption of peace talks with the MILF in order to convince our neighbors that it is sincere in achieving peace. Without sincerity on both sides, the Organization of Islamic Conference, and Islamic countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, might think it futile to help in the negotiations.

ON MANILA'S ECOLOGY

It is heartening that Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim is now concentrating on cleaning up Manila and improving its ecology. As the primary city in the Philippines, Manila must set the model of cleanliness and reduced carbon emission so as to improve the environment and promote the health of the people.

What should be given priority are the Pasig River and its tributaries - the creeks and esteros - to remove a festering sore right in the heart of the city.

The city council must give full support to the civic organizations currently engaged in cleaning up the rivers in Manila, as well as the bay, and in planting more trees, and creating more parks.