President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's Departure Statement to the 13th ASEAN Summit
November 18 2007
 

We are departing for Singapore and the ASEAN Leaders Summit committed to advancing the interests of the Philippine people in three key areas: human rights, environmental protection and economic development.

The interests of the people of the Philippines come first. Their agenda is my agenda in Singapore: energy independence, environmental stewardship, a strong economy and a commitment to human rights.

ASEAN is increasingly important as our region becomes more integrated economically, socially and politically. ASEAN is becoming a more cohesive regional powerhouse that will enhance the interests of each member nation and provide balance to the rise of China as well as to our traditional relationship with North America and Europe.

At the successful ASEAN Summit in Cebu which we chaired last year, we launched several key initiatives, most notably the pursuit of the ASEAN Charter for the purpose of strengthening our economic clout and regional self-sufficiency. At that time, we also called for stronger environmental standards, energy self-sufficiency and insisted upon an ASEAN Human Rights body.

We are proud to announce that ASEAN is making progress on each and every initiative we started in Cebu - and this is good news for the Philippines. We are determined to complete in Singapore what we started in Cebu. We are committed to advance our commitment to human rights, propel our commitment to a healthy environment led by energy self sufficiency and continue to strengthen our economic comeback.

Our nation is moving forward on the strength of the Philippine worker, our willingness to engage the world and the work of our administration to bring peace, order and stability to our nation. ASEAN is part of our plan to achieve these goals.

In this holiday season, it is important to be connected to peoples and nations abroad just as we are focused on our friends, neighbors and families at home. We must all stand together to advance the interests of humanity and lift up the fortunes of the poor and dispossessed.

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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's Arrival Statement from the 13th ASEAN Summit
November 21, 2007
 
We return to the Philippines one day ahead of schedule saddened about the plight of the victims of the recent typhoon but satisfied that as a result of our efforts in Singapore, the Philippines will benefit from greater security, stronger economic growth and enhanced solidarity to make progress to protect our environment.

Secretary Romulo and Secretary Favila will stay in Singapore.

The fact that ASEAN has signed a Charter that is legally binding and that will create a more powerful regional bloc is an important milestone in the history of our region. It sends a signal that ASEAN nations are determined to play a larger, more strategic role to move our region and each member nation forward.

The Philippine economy and our people have only benefited from economic growth due to global engagement. Increased trade between ASEAN nations will continue to accelerate our economic growth, foreign investment and the creation of good jobs for our people.

And while we are pleased that we have incorporated language in the Charter that advances human rights and democracy, we remain concerned that the forces of authoritarianism still move rather slowly towards democracy in Myanmar. Let me be clear: We embrace the advances of ASEAN but remain concerned about the pace of progress of Myanmar on the issue of human rights. We particularly deplore the treatment of Aung San Suu Ky. She must be released. Now.

We will not rest, in representation of the political leadership and constituency of the Philippines and as a member of ASEAN, in the pursuit of justice and reconciliation in Myanmar. We must be active in advocating peaceful reforms in that nation. It is good for Myanmar, for ASEAN and the world.

We are happy to return home to press forward with our agenda and focus on the needs of the victims of the recent as well as the incoming typhoons and also the needs of poorest among us during this holiday season.

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