PGMA's Opening Statement during a Press Conference with the Philippine Media

Waldorf Astoria Hotel, New York City, U.S.A. (21 May 2003)
When I left the Philippines, when I left to come to the United States for the state visit, I said that we were going to explore a new framework of a strategic relationship with the United States for the 21st century.

Some features of that relationship, I think I can already explain as coming to light.

One, is the designation of the Philippines as a major non-NATO ally. I will ask Dick Gordon later ' to explain that in a... You know, in a more direct and a... I'll expect Dick to explain that in a... In a more picturesque way or you know, in a more illustrative way. But let me just say that it recognizes the Philippines as a key global player in the fight against terrorism. And that it is a tribute to the proven vigilance of the Filipino people not only in this fight, but in upholding our shared values of democracy and freedom. And it paves the way for a stronger partnership for a more secure Philippines, a more secure region and a more secure world.

Another aspect of that new framework is that we have laid a strategic basis for Philippine-U.S. relations based on more trade rather than aid; reciprocity rather than mendicancy; mutuality rather than exclusivity. Our bonds of friendship and values have now grown into an overarching pragmatic alliance for security, peace and development. To illustrate, the alliance goes beyond fighting the Abu sayaff to mopping up the pockets of poverty where the recruits of terrorism are taken.

You see, if the alliance were just about fighting the Abu Sayaff, we would have signed already the T.O.R. for Balikatan now. But, it is not just about the Abu Sayaff, the Abu Sayaff is incidental, they're only 215 there on the run. It's really defining the relationship between the two countries on security assistance and mutual support.

A third aspect of the work to define a framework, a longer term framework for the new relationship is that through this bolstered alliance, we've gained solid momentum for a more decisive engagement with the world. This underscores the key role played by our 8 million Filipinos spread across a 140 nations, who are collectively the pivot upon which our economic diplomacy turns. A major part of our foreign policy is the protection of the welfare of our overseas Filipinos. And eight million overseas Filipinos out of the population of 80 million -- that's 10 percent -- means that they are a major part of our constituency. And because two-and-a-half million of them are here in the united states, they are a major part of our relationship with each other .

It is our duty to strengthen the political and economic security of our Filipinos in other countries and safeguard them against terrorist attacks in their places of work.

The shared future of Philippine-American relations now demands initiatives that should lend greater momentum to our achievements. This morning, I met with business organizations engaged in business process outsourcing, that is an area that has steady growth potentials in our country. This afternoon I met with U.S. companies projected to invest in the reconstruction of Iraq, that offers a broad range of opportunities for our workers.

Jobs after all are my main concern. We go worldwide with great zeal because we want to expand the quest for jobs through the greater market access that will come as a result of our closer economic engagement. For instance, the duty free status for one billion dollars worth of products under America's GSP helps us to sustain and increase employment, including in the most depressed areas of Mindanao.

We must optimize economic thrusts that will have first and foremost an immediate effect on national security and peace and order. That is why I am anxious to go back home to apply the gains in our trip to the enhancement of peace and order in our country. That's why when I return home I shall proceed to Mindanao to evaluate the national security situation and to see how immediately we can apply the gains of this trip to addressing the issues of that security situation in Mindanao.

But speaking of Mindanao, let me salute the courage of our troops who have carried out the punitive actions against the enemy, and they have done it very successfully. And they've done this by attacking specific terrorists enclaves in Mindanao. I also thank the civilian communities that have supported our troops.

After the areas are cleared, we must now get on with holding and consolidating actions. The PNP must be ready to hold the areas cleared by the punitive operations while the national agencies and the local government units must consolidate relief and rehabilitation efforts.

I also commend the PNP for preempting a terrorist plot in metro manila. This only stresses even more the need for preparedness not only of our law enforcement agencies but of our local governments in threatened communities. Even the united states has gone into heightened alert which they call orange alert. So, all communities must be on alert.

Well, since some members of the delegation will be leaving us tonight, I'd like to express my appreciation to those members especially those from the Cabinet and Congress, and the members... The delegation from congress was led by Senate President Franklin Drilon and Speaker de Venecia. I'm glad that Monico Puentevella is still with us. I thank him for his very very great support and vigorous and energetic participation in the various activities in this state visit.

I'd like to share that during our meeting at the White House, Speaker De Venecia proposed a dialogue of civilizations and inter-faith solidarity. He proposed the creation of a U.N. inter-religious council as a means to world peace. I also like to acknowledge that Senate President Drilon -- oh! There's Joe. I was praising you without knowing you were there, ha! I would like to -- Joe, why don't you come here to the front because they might ask you about your dialogue of civilizations now that I announced it. First time I announced it. Eh, kasi nga naman parating, magkano ba? Magkano ba? You know, but you see this great ideas are coming about and they really show the world view of our Philippine leaders.

I'd like to acknowledge that Senate President Drilon has been sharing his legal expertise to the work in progress on Balikatan 03-1 terms of reference.

While some of the delegates will leave us tonight, actually the trip is not yet over. I still have one more leg of my visit. Tomorrow, I shall go to San Francisco to meet with the President of Bechtel, a company which is expected to play a major role. A company projected to invest very largely in the reconstruction of Iraq.

So, two things will be going from tonight: the meeting, the Iraq-related meeting tomorrow and then after that the culmination will be my trip to Mindanao. And I will be making my arrival statement on Monday to report on the trip in Mindanao.

In the meantime, you may ask questions from me and from the cabinet members who are on the other side of this conference.

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