On funding for Mindanao projects
We could tap the Islamic Bank situated at Kuwait or the Japan Eximbank
which could provide loans or concessions on the projects intended for Mindanao.
What are the projects intended for Mindanao?
The immediate provision of electric power to Camp Abubakar; installation
of deep wells or water treatment plants to be requested from various
funding sources, e.g., Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI),
Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP), and Makati Business Club
(MBC), for implementation of the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA);
10-15 school buildings to be donated by the Filipino-Chinese Community;
a small private airport to be requested possibly from Pacific Air to provide
chartered air services to the area, to be constructed through the effort
of the SEABEES of the Philippine Navy and the Armed Forces of the Philippines,
and the Department of Public Works and Highways.
On Medium- and Long-term Projects
These include a Mini-Marshall plan for Mindanao, projects concerning
OFWs, and the computerization of DFA. We have to have modern communications
systems to be in-touch with each country, and access updated information
on the number of Overseas Filipino Contract Workers abroad, and on our
bilateral relations with the countries concerned. We have to be able
to look for medium and long-term ways and means to finance and sustain
these mentioned and upcoming projects. A priority is the computerization
of the entire Department from the present level of about 60 - 70% to 100%,
including our telecommunications system. In the USA, we have to provide
committees in each area, state and region, which should submit reports
to us to help the interest of the Filipinos in those areas.
On a Possible Revamp of the Department
There will be no major revamp of the Department, but just give me a
little time to look at the structure for the best and brightest people
for the right positions.
On the Assignment of Ambassadors
Names are being floated, but I cannot mention them as yet.
On the role of the DFA in the Peace Process
As the Vice President, I will help talk to the main players to
inform them of my plans and for the best way for peace to flourish;
I have friends on the NDF side, but I would rather stay in the background.
On his having voted against the VFA when he was still senator
The Supreme Court has already ruled and spoken on this touchy issue.
I may not agree with the ruling, but then again the Supreme Court has decided
on the subject, and so did the legislature, including the Upper and Lower
Chambers of Congress.
On US-RP Military Exercises held near to or coinciding with the elections
My presence as the Secretary of Foreign Affairs is not needed
or required, but in some other cases where the need arises, my presence
will be felt on a case to case basis.
Follow-up question on the deaths of Filipinos resulting from the
VFA exercises
I know that the necessary cases have been filed with the courts of
the land and they (lawyers) had filed petitions for review as I remembered.
If there is a need to move the trials to Manila it will be up to the Secretary
of Justice. It is not my turf.
On his multiple responsibilities as Vice President, DFA Secretary,
President of the Lakas-NUCD political party
Studies show that a man can handle up to seven different administrative
jobs wisely without sacrificing quality, but I will do my best to handle
all three.
On his active participation in the campaign trail
There are deputies assigned for each area of concern (Luzon, Visayas
and Mindanao), but for the key areas, I will personally attend if
and only if the need arises.
On the question of legitimacy of the GMA Government
On spending more time at the DFA or at the Office of the
Vice President
I will be spending more time here at the Department and my schedules
will be announced shortly after I have familiarized myself with the department.