10 December 2003 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople today confirmed reports that primarily for security reasons, key  reconstruction contracts in Iraq will be given only to firms from the United States, Iraq and those countries that have provided troops or other support for the coalition war effort.

"I believe that this is a reasonable policy and one that maximizes our collective efforts and abilities to help the people of Iraq," Secretary Ople said. "The Pentagon has ruled that firms from countries that did not support the Coalition in Iraq will be barred from bidding on lucrative reconstruction contracts. There is a valid security basis to this," he added.

The Secretary said that Philippine service and construction contractors are already very competitive and very qualified to participate in the reconstruction of Iraq, but that this policy would give the Philippines, which is part of the international coalition on Iraq, an added edge. The Pentagon has allotted over $18 billion for initial projects in Iraq.

"We joined the international coalition on Iraq to help build a stable Iraq at peace with its neighbors and the world, as an important pillar of a stable Middle East. We slowly move towards that objective each day we are in Iraq. This US policy is also a proper recognition of the efforts that members of the Coalition exerted to end Saddam Hussein’s regime and to rebuild Iraq as a pluralistic, democratic and free country," Secretary Ople said.

"We will be working with other countries in planning for the long-term participation of the Philippines in the rebuilding of Iraq. However, at this time, we are not yet encouraging workers to proceed to Iraq. They should wait until contracts and sub-contracts are firmed up, to avoid being victimized by illegal recruiters who are always willing to prey on innocent workers," the Secretary added. END.