Refer to: Ms. Dale Zapata 83321148

COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING

Statement of the Vice President

24January 2006

As we begin this historic Council of State meeting, I ask everyone to approach this forum with sincere open-mindedness. Sana po, tayo ay may tunay na mga bukas na isipan. While we have our own idea of what is good for the country and for the Filipino people, it is equally important to be open to the ideas of others. Likewise, each one of us from the President and Vice President and every co-worker in government must be prepared to sacrifice for the greater good of our country.

Ako po ay naniniwala na ang bawat isa sa atin dito ay iisa lang ang hangarin at iyan ay ang kabutihan ng ating bayan.

Times have changed. Hindi naman lingid sa ating kaalaman na higit na mas matatalino na ang taong-bayan ngayon. The Filipino people have grown and matured to be discerning enough to see who among their leaders are working for their own selfish interests and who are working for the greater good of the country. Indeed, there are many national concerns that urgently need to be addressed. We should no longer be engaged in political bickering. The healing process must begin.

I agree that it is time we study the feasibility of charter change. But for charter change to be meaningful, there must be greater or more extensive public debate. Public information is important because the key to a successful healing process is understanding the defects of the system and collectively proposing solutions. The people must understand what ills our country and it is best if they have a more meaningful participation in the cure.

After this meeting, we should continue to reach out to our people and other national leaders, especially those who for one reason or another were not able to attend this historic council. Our efforts should continue because our sincerity is being gauged by the public. We should continue to listen to the views of others especially the fiscalizing opposition.

And as we begin our meeting, I call on everyone to heed the cry of our compatriot and new hero.. ang ating bagong bayani na nagpakita ng tunay na determinasyon ng lahing Pilipino. Sabi nga ni Manny Pacquiao, “Sana po ay magkaintindihan na at magkaisa tayong lahat”. Ang aking panalangin ay sana pakinggan natin, tayong mga tinaguriang lider ng bayan, ang mapagpakumbabang payo ng isang ordinaryong Pilipino.

I approach this meeting with great optimism. The Filipino people have always shown their determination and capacity to overcome all obstacles. Kailangan lamang ang sinseridad ng liderato na makakahimok ng pagkakaisa ng sambayanan.

Maraming salamat po!