Chapter 1

LEGITIMACY AND INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR THE MACAPAGAL-ARROYO ADMINISTRATION

Establishing authority and winning the allegiance, respect and support of a nation constitute the first challenges facing any new government. Those tasks become even more formidable when a leader takes over after a rival's abrupt fall from power amid massive protests. There is no election in which to campaign for the citizenry's backing, nor a smooth transition arranged with the preceding administration.

    Yet the government of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assumed power with no serious disruption or challenge, and one big reason is her adherence to the Constitution in the succession process. She sought a ruling from the Supreme Court instead of using a massive phalanx of street protesters to drive Estrada from Malacañang. She waited two days after the resigned president had vacated the palace before moving in. In that time, international recognition poured in, starting from U.S. President George W. Bush, who phoned Arroyo soon after his own inauguration. Finally, both Houses of Congress passed resolutions that further buttressed the new government's legitimacy.

    Over and above the succession legalities, however, it was the overwhelming support of the Filipino people that gave the most solid foundation for the Macapagal-Arroyo presidency. Seeking integrity and reform in government, the People Power II forces at EDSA and many other parts of the country spoke with one loud voice in demanding change. They expressed indignation against an administration whose brand of governance was seen to be rudderless and morally bankrupt. After the break-down of impeachment proceedings, the people threw their support behind Estrada's constitutional successor, prompting the national police and the armed forces to withdraw their backing from the former president.

    After the shock of his fall from power had worn off, Estrada tried to assert that he was legally still president, while saying he did not challenge Arroyo's rule. This bid to lay nominal claim to the presidency was thrice ruled out unanimously by the Supreme Court. On March 2 it dismissed an Estrada petition to stop the Ombudsman from filing charges against him since, his lawyers argued, he was still president and thus immune from suit. The high court rendered a second 13-0 vote denying the motion for reconsideration on April 3, 2001. A second motion for reconsideration filed the next day was also unanimously dismissed by the Supreme Court on April 10, as it concluded irrevocably: "No further pleadings will be entertained. Let entry of judgement be made in due course." Thus, the Supreme Court's final decision foreclosed all legal questions about the Administration's legitimacy.

    Settling the issue of legitimacy removed all doubts that the authority to govern now rests with the new Administration. It then continued its efforts to re- structure systems and procedures for good governance. That principle aims to harness the collective responsibility of the government, civil society and the private sector for improving the lives of all Filipinos, particularly the poor. On the part of government, this calls for the creation of an enabling environment for the sustainable development of all sectors of society as well as the strengthening of institutions of governance.

THE GOAL: GOOD GOVERNANCE, TRANSPARENCY, SIMPLICITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Restoring Governance Structures

    Witnessing first-hand the disastrous consequences of an "adhoc-racy" under her predecessor, the President sought to re-establish effective structures and standards of governance to make her government more transparent, responsible and accountable. She formed a Search Committee to find qualified and committed department and agency heads. She also directed the updating of the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan, which shall incorporate the new President's priorities and goals. These priorities shall reflect the development needs of civil society, business and government, and shall aim to win the war against poverty.

    With its priorities and strategies outlined, the President began anew to convene weekly Cabinet meetings to ensure that pressing and emergent issues are addressed and all efforts are orchestrated toward the achievement of the Administration's goals.

    The President also revived the Cabinet Cluster System, where the strategic sectoral concerns of the Administration may be subject to longer and deeper discussions in order to arrive at effective and lasting solutions. The new clusters include: Socially Equitable Agricultural Modernization, Public Services, Safety Nets, Information and Communications Technology, Tourism, and Security and Political Development. Aside from allowing government sectors to work together and resolve inter-agency concerns, the clusters also offer a venue for civil society to participate in the exercise of governance.

    The Administration has clarified and put into order the accountabilities of each agency. Redundant or dysfunctional bodies were shut down. Among them was the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF), which duplicated the functions of the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies. PAOCTF was also accused of high crimes, including the killing of PR man Bubby Dacer and his driver, as well as staged kidnap rescues. On the other hand, institutions with closely related mandates were merged. Combining Clark Development Corp. with Clark International Airport Corp. can generate savings of up to P60 million.

ON THE ROAD - Presidential visits in the first 100 days

Total	117
NCR	74
CAR	7
I	2
II	1
III	5
IV	8
V	1
VI	2
VII	2
VIII	1
IX	2
X	3
XI	3
XII	3
ARMM	2
CARAGA	1

First President ever to visit these areas: Asipulo, Benguet, Maguing, Lanao del Sur, Colombio, Sultan Kudarat

Most depressed barangays visited: Battad, Benguet, Omaganhan, Leyte

Nothernmost area: Cauayan, Isabela

Southernmost area: Jolo, Sulu

Biggest Audience: 25,000 at San Manuel, Isabela on 25 April 2001

Higher Standards of Governance

    As one of the first acts of the new government, top leaders signed a compact that serves as the Arroyo Administration's moral compass in serving the Filipino. It includes pledges to be results-oriented, to focus on poverty eradication, to seek constant improvement and maintain a simple lifestyle. All other officials and employees were instructed to sign similar pledges. To achieve objectives and targets, the government injected principles of corporate governance into the bureaucracy, starting with a Performance Management and Evaluation System at the Office of the President. The system helps ensure that actions are consonant with goals set. Exemplary performance of employees shall be appropriately rewarded while failure to assume responsibilities shall be meted disciplinary action.

    With its contribution to the peaceful transition of power still fresh in its collective mind, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) enhanced its efforts to preserve the high standards of discipline and morality in the organization. As a complementary measure, the AFP's policies and procedures on maintaining discipline and professionalism within the chain of command were reviewed and updated.

    The government sought to equip itself with skills required for the 21st century mode of governance. The NEDA packaged a capability-building program for information and communication technology officials and staff in government, particularly on the preparation of programs and projects pursuant to the government information systems plan and the e-commerce law.

Devolving Responsibility, Enhancing Accountability

    Under Administrative Order No. 7, issued on 23 March, the Office of the President returned to the NEDA Board, which includes many Cabinet members, the task of reviewing all government contracts worth at least P50 million. This transfer brings more transparency and impartiality to the process of project approval. The NEDA Board has approved 13 publicly tendered contracts amounting to P5.8 billion.

    Recognizing that local government units can become active stewards and partners in national development, we have begun giving more responsibility to LGUs. With the dissolution of the Mt. Pinatubo Commission, we devolved the administration of upland resettled communities to the concerned LGUs, even as the administration of lowland resettlement villages was assigned to the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council.

    The government also moved to scrap controls imposed on LGUs under the previous administration regarding the release of their internal revenue allotments. The IRAs shall no longer be subject to any lien or holdback imposed by the national government.

Greater Transparency and Citizen Participation

    Top officials have continued to conduct consultations in keeping with the pledge to listen to the people in order to render better service to them, and encourage the involvement of different sectors in the process of governance. The President has visited 93 localities, reaching as far as Sulu in the south and Ifugao in the north, and listened to the sentiments and views of various sectors in every place. She has also met and interacted with marginalized or disadvantaged sectors through regular visits to the Presidential Action Center.

    Heeding the President's call for consultation with the various sectors on the attainment of full, decent and productive employment, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Social Security System (SSS) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) consulted with labor, business, civil society and government sectors. The March 15 employment seminar generated high-impact and immediately implementable programs and projects to facilitate, enhance, preserve and generate jobs. In late February, pre-Employment Summit talks were held with civil society, business, labor and government.

    The Education Department now discusses complaints and policies with teachers, parents, and students. Its new open bidding system cut elementary textbook costs to an average of P25 each from P80 in the past. The Department of Agrarian Reform conducted 100 consultations and sought the participation of 1,779 CARP stakeholders in planning, implementing and managing the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program and addressing issues in its implementation.

    To better understand the needs of different regions, the Tourism Department has dialogued with concerned groups in the regions, including regional and provincial tourism officers, regional businessmen and investors. DOT consulted with vendors, taxi drivers, and other tourism-related service operators to formulate policies and procedures to service tourists efficiently.

    The Department of Public Works and Highways has had meetings with the National Confederation of Contractors Association of the Philippines and the Philippine Constructors Association to discuss concerns and problems and further improve the bidding process and contract administration.

    The Department of Transportation and Commu- nications had consultations with business, civil society and government entities, to identify critical issues and concerns and formulate programs and activities to address them. The National Irrigation Administration has regularly met with various irrigators' associations, its partners in properly running and maintaining irrigation systems. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Civil Society Action Network enabled constituents in the regions to raise concerns through informal discussions with NGOs, POs and concerned communities.

    The Department of Interior and Local Government's People's Day provided a venue for hearing public sentiments on issues affecting law enforcement, local governance and public safety. DILG launched Sagot Ko Yan in coordination with ABS-CBN, to promptly address the people's concerns.

    Further, the public was informed of government decisions in press conferences right after Cabinet meetings. Other press briefings were conducted when decisions and issues of national significance come up. Since President Arroyo assumed authority, information was provided either by the Chief of Staff, the Presidential Spokesman or the Office of the Press Secretary.

More Accessible and Responsive Government

    Among the Administration's primary thrusts is to bring the Presidency and the government closer to the people. In the past, Malacañang used to be only for high officials, politicians, tycoons and other prominent individuals. Now, the Palace is open to all with Sundays at Malacañang Gardens, when the public is treated to free cultural shows, medical and dental treatment, and skills and livelihood training.

    Noting the power of texting in EDSA II, the Text GMA project was launched to let people send the President and the government their comments and suggestions. In its first four days of operation, the project received 14,255 short messages about garbage, traffic, abusive officials, job requests, financial help, housing, drugs and more.

    The government also maximized the use of information and communication technology in frontline services. The Bureau of Customs' new e-payment system facilitates the payment of duties and taxes by BOC- accredited importers through electronic funds transfer. The National Statistics Office Helpline Plus caters to phone-in requests of NSO customers for birth, death, and marriage certificates. It is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The NSO website accepts requests on-line. The NEDA website, on the other hand, is being updated to reflect the latest socioeconomic trends, outputs and outcomes for the use of government agencies, planners, researchers and students.

    The Social Welfare Department is undertaking a review of its existing procedures to make them simple and more accessible for its clients - the impoverished majority. The procedural review covers among others, the adoption and travel of minors, duty-free importation of donated goods, personnel discipline, requests for hospitalization and travel assistance. DSWD has also established its first e-governance venture, Sagipbata.com, a community service project which provides information to help locate missing children.

    The Social Security System is simplifying its policies and manual to ensure a smooth flow of work and clear delineation of functions and accountabilities. We also strengthened the Public Assistance Information Center at the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office for prompt action on requests, claims and settlement of benefits.

    Through decentralization of services, licensure and renewal examinations of the Professional Regulation Commission became more accessible and affordable. The Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) instituted Public Assistance Centers to help beneficiaries and developers. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) initiated Mobile Passporting Missions in places far from the regional consular offices. It also launched the Passport Direct Project, a telephone-based renewal system.

    DTI continued wide consultations with trade and industry players resulting in modifications to the Economic Mobilization Group, a public-private sector council, making it more responsive to small firms. DTI has also initiated measures to reduce the cost of doing business by shortening the processing time for certifications and applications for tax and duty exemptions. Its expanded online business name registration system can accommodate more applications and speed up pre-verification of documents. Eventually, payments, actual verification and harmonization of data with the Securities and Exchange Commission will be done through the online system.

    The National Anti-Poverty Council has set up a tracking, follow-up and feedback system to facilitate the responses of national agencies to issues raised by citizen groups.

PUBLIC ORDER AND LAW ENFORCEMENT

   The restoration of law and order was among the most immediate concerns of the new government. It immediately ordered the speedy investigation and resolution of the December bombings in Metro Manila and the Dacer abductions. Further, efforts were intensified to improve crime fighting, law enforcement and the dispensation of justice. Moreover, professionalizing law enforcement agencies - the police, military, investigators, jail and fire personnel and services - is a priority.

    The nation also addressed various threats to peace and order and security through stern implementation of various programs and projects with the strong leadership of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies. Crime statistics showed that in the first quarter of 2001, the country attained an average crime solution efficiency of 91.96% with an average reported crime volume of 6,241.

    PATROL 117 Program. The People's Action Team Responding On Line (PATROL) 117 Program was launched as part of a proactive approach to crime prevention and transparency in governance. It is an expanded version of Streetwatch, originally focused on crime prevention and community safety, which is now a barangay-based security and development program through our Patrol Security and Development Council organized in all LGUs. As an expanded program, MMDA/DOTC, the Barangay PATROL, the Barangay Kaunlaran Dakilang Hangarin (BARKADAHAN) and other law enforcement agencies were included as its crime prevention and suppression arms.

    For a more responsive and effective instrument of quick response, the 18 existing PLDT-based Central Monitoring System was increased to 45 during the period. Likewise, 10 free community telephone booths were installed within crime-prone and densely populated areas. These phones enabled the citizenry to immediately report crime. The average response time to emergency calls received by Patrol 117 is 7.17 minutes. Reports received consist mostly of public disturbances, fire, illegal gambling, rescues for police/barangay units, and robbery.

    Hazing ban. With the implementation of the anti-hazing law, criminal charges were filed against nine instructors at the PNP Special Action Force of Fort Sto. Domingo in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Police officers involved in the incident were also relieved from their posts.

    Enhanced police system. The government improved law enforcement capability through the setting up and reorganization of crime-fighting bodies. The DND/AFP, DILG/PNP and the DOJ/NBI have recently signed a memorandum of agreement on the joint conduct of operations against criminal elements with their powers and responsibilities spelled out in the MOA.

    Police efficiency and welfare. Through the National Police commission, 10 resolutions were issued to give directions and guidance to Napolcom operations. PNP beneficiaries received 33 scholarships, as well as pensions and other benefit claims for death or disability, totaling P32.2 million.

    Crime prevention and public safety. The state demonstrated strong resolve in apprehending and prosecuting criminals, especially those involved in illegal drugs, illegal gambling, kidnapping and prostitution.

    War on illegal drugs. In the country's biggest drug haul, 1,000 kilos of shabu were seized in Lipa, Batangas, on April 28. At least 10 suspects, including three Chinese foreigners are under arrest or being prosecuted for illegal drugs, particularly shabu. Police operatives uprooted 300,000 fully grown marijuana plants, five bundles of dried marijuana and 10,000 seedlings in Bakin, Benguet. In addition, four bricks of marijuana leaves weighing 4 kg were confiscated and three persons were arrested in Tabuk, Kalinga.

    The military, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, recovered 4 kg of shabu worth P8 million in Barangay Ampil, Looc, Occidental Mindoro. Authorities were also able to eradicate a marijuana plantation in Floridablanca, Pampanga.

    Campaign against illegal gambling. Operations against illegal gambling led to the arrest of its financiers. Specifically, the police has endorsed the case of gambling lord Rodolfo "Bong" Pineda to DOJ for prosecution.

    Controlling loose firearms. With the COMELEC gun ban in force, police operatives arrested 881 persons, confiscated 809 assorted firearms, and filed 416 cases in court. Policemen were tasked to strictly observe the prohibition during the election period.

    Fight against kidnapping. In close coordination with law enforcement agencies, particularly the NBI and PNP, breakthroughs have been made in the Dacer abduction and murder case. The campaign against kidnapping and other serious crimes, such as drug trade and smuggling, has been made a top priority and has met with reasonable success.

    Counter-terrorism operations. The AFP also mounted military operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu and Basilan, which resulted in the rescue of American hostage Jeffrey Schilling and the neutralization of 77 ASG members.

    Anti-smuggling push. Concerted efforts of concerned agencies to mitigate smuggling resulted in the confiscation of more than 22,000 bags of rice by the Navy. The grain is now in NFA warehouses in Region VIII. In addition, the drop in sugar smuggling has benefited planters.

    Campaign against illegal logging. DENR also launched a massive investigation of illegal logging activities involving its officials and employees. A total of 5,654 cubic meters of illegally cut logs were confiscated. Some 16 officers and employees linked to the P15 million log-confiscate-donate-sell scam were ordered to explain their actions. Likewise, hot logs worth P9.5 million were seized, and administrative charges were filed against DENR personnel involved in the anomaly.

    The operation of Asia Pulp and Paper, Integrated Mills, Inc. (APPIMI) was suspended due to its cutting of logs in inadequately stocked residual forest. With this move, APPIMI was prevented from further illegal logging, which could have amounted to more than 16,500 cubic meters worth P132 million.

        Task Force Jericho. Task Force Jericho, launched to replace KATAPAT, arrested 514 suspects and confiscated 53 VK machines of various types, three passenger jeepneys used as jueteng venues, 12 motorcycles and five firearms. The force also confiscated 1,184 boxes of smuggled Fundador brandy.

PRISON REFORM

Improvements were made in jail management to attain the ideal prison population. With the Oplan Decongestion Program, 6,807 inmates were released through various applicable laws and modes of release.

Better jail conditions. Partnerships were pursued with other government institutions, non-government organizations, people's organizations and the private sector to improve the living conditions of inmates and provide them with rehabilitation, recreational and livelihood support, and related services.

Captured escapees. The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology exercised diligence in bringing back escaped inmates. Four out of 10 escapees in February were recaptured, including priest killer Norberto Manero, Jr., who bolted Saranggani Provincial Jail.

GUARDING AGAINST CORRUPTION

Heeding the people's clamor for genuine change, the Administration has set high moral standards and instituted safeguards against corruption. This policy forms the bedrock of good governance. Corruption remains a well-entrenched social problem invulnerable to quick fixes, simplistic solutions or half-hearted attempts to control it. But initiatives undertaken in the first 100 days are undeniably steps in the right direction.

    Administrative Orders 1 and 3 s. 2001 prohibit government officials and employees from entering into any official transaction with real or imagined relatives of the President and to prohibit high-ranking government officials from acquiring and using luxury vehicles, respectively.

    To underscore the government's earnestness in curbing anomalies, a new Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) shall intensify the fight, especially among presidential appointees. In its quest for justice, the government is helping prosecute those who allegedly enriched themselves through corruption in the previous administration. The Ombudsman has charged the former president and others; he has deputized Department of Justice (DOJ) lawyers to assist his office so as to boost the chances of conviction.

    The Institutional and Performance Audit Team has been constituted in response to mounting allegations that the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) has not been protecting IP rights. Composed of the secretaries of Justice, Budget and Management, and the Presidential Management Staff, as well as the heads of the Audit and Civil Service commissions, the team is reviewing the activities of NCIP officials.

    An investigation is also being conducted on the so-called "midnight" environmental compliance certificates (ECCs) signed in haste by the former DENR Secretary at the height of the People Power II. The ECCs may have adverse impact on the environment. They cover the development of a golf course, a coal-fired power plant and two cellular phone sites.

    To encourage citizen participation in ferreting out irregularities, the DOF has created an interactive website where the public can report questionable practices of its officials and personnel.

    Processes were also improved to discourage corruption. The new Government Purchases Information System (GPIS), a computerized master list of price data, helps minimize overpricing, collusion and similar irregularities. Furthermore, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has started up the first phase of the Electronic Procurement System, which includes a public tender board, a suppliers' registry and an electronic catalogue.

PROSECUTION OF ILL-GOTTEN WEALTH CASES

The Administration strongly believes in the rule of law and is committed to raising the standards of morality in government and society. The criminal liabilities of an individual, whether private or public, cannot be compromised by the state. The law should apply to everyone, even to former heads of state.

The authorities shall follow only one direction in enforcing laws: the protection and advancement of public welfare. The people fought for justice, culminating in EDSA II. The government cannot fail them. Justice must be upheld.

Prosecuting the Marcoses. For a long time now, cases against Marcos officials and the Marcoses themselves have hardly moved because the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) are still collating evidence. To hasten the prosecution of the pending cases against the Marcoses, DOJ and the Office of the Solicitor General launched a joint project called Project Noah on 19 April 2001. It involves law students from different schools, like Ateneo, UP, UST, and MLQU. They will help in organizing the voluminous documents of cases filed against the Marcoses, which are kept in the PCCG and the Central Bank.

The Estrada Cases. The Ombudsman is pursuing cases filed against ex-president Estrada and his cronies, with help from the Justice Department. He and his son Jinggoy are in jail without bail for the plunder case. The three main charges filed against the former leader were:

Criminal Case No. 26558. This involves the charge of plunder wherein the former president is accused of acquiring ill-gotten wealth through kickbacks from illegal gambling and jueteng; misappropriating the tobacco excise tax allocated for the Province of Ilocos Sur; compelling the GSIS and SSS to purchase shares of stock in Belle Corporation, for which he received a commission (part of the "Jose Velarde" account in Equitable-PCI Bank); and for having an unexplained three-billion peso deposit under the "Jose Velarde" account

Criminal Case No. 26564. This involves perjury wherein the former president is charged for having lied under oath when he declared in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth at a total net worth of P35 million when he was in fact found to be worth at least P1 billion with various corporate holdings and connections

Criminal Case No. 26565. This involves Estrada's illegal use of an alias by the name "Jose Velarde" in signing documents with Equitable-PCI and other corporate entities without having been authorized judicially or administratively

A complaint for forfeiture of all ill-gotten wealth of the former president is pending with the Ombudsman. The cases may not be filed during the election period. Therefore, the DOJ and the Solicitor General intend to pursue these cases immediately after the polls. Since the Sandiganbayan found probable cause from the evidence submitted, the graft court issued a warrant of arrest for the deposed President and other respondents. However, in consideration of his having been a former president and consistent with the legal principle of the accused being presumed innocent until proven guilty, the authorities shall accord him fair treatment and privileges befitting a former head of state.

PLUNDER RAP Former president Joseph Estrada's illicit gains as alleged in Sandiganbayan Criminal Case No. 26558

TOTAL: P4,098 Million Breakdown: From illegal gambling P545 Million From tobacco excise tax P130 Million From Belle Corporation Stocks: · GSIS : P1,103 Million · SSS : P 745 Million Total : P1,847 Million · Commissions on percentages from purchases of shares P190 Million From commissions, gifts, shares, Percentages, kickback: P3,233 Million

INTERNATIONAL SECURITY

The government formulated the government's response to China's intrusions in the Scarborough Shoal, and to assess Philippine national sovereignty, and protect its territorial integrity and natural resources. A third Philippines-China Experts Group Meeting on Confidence-Building Measures (EGM-CBM) was held on 3-4 April 2001, shortly after Scarborough Shoal incident in March. As a result, steps to prevent the escalation of tension were agreed upon.

    The government coordinated the participation of Filipino Muslims in the Haj, and the development of a master plan to improve the system of sending Filipino workers to Israel and enhancing their welfare. The Philippines-Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters was signed on 23 February. The two governments can now cooperate in probing and prosecuting crime and related activities.

    The Presidential Commission for the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFACOM), chaired by DFA, consults with other agencies, LGUs, NGOs, and the public on RP-U.S. defense activities. The department coordinates with other agencies, Fil-Am groups, local government units and the People's Task Force on Bases Clean-Up about issues concerning hazardous wastes in Clark and Subic. DFA also spearheads the review of VFACOM functions and membership to better monitor RP-U.S. military exercises.

    DFA facilitated arrangements for peace talks between the government and the CPP/NPA/NDF held in Oslo, Norway, 27 April-1 May 2001.

    The department closely coordinated with BI, NICA, OWWA, POEA, DSWD, NBI, DOJ, NSO and other agencies to improve consular and other services. New NBI and DOJ teams in the Task Force on Passport Irregularities now do initial investigations of suspects. Rules on issuing visas have been reconciled with Bureau of Immigration procedures and will soon be updated in light of current government policies.

    Meanwhile, the DND-AFP continued to implement defense cooperation accords. They conducted the eighth meeting of the Malaysia-Philippines Border Patrol Coordinating Group (12-14 February) and a visit of AFP officers to the final planning conference in Bangkok for Singapore-Thai-U.S. Cobra Gold exercises (2-11 March). An MOU on Canadian-Philippine naval exercises was signed 24 April.

    A 3,000-strong AFP contingent participated in Balikatan 2001 exercises with 2,000 U.S. troops in May. DND also continued to support U.N. peacekeeping and humanitarian missions in East Timor and Iraq.

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