Press Release
July 8, 2009
Independent Senator Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan criticizes the government’s flaunting of military might last weekend as a prelude to President Arroyo’s State of the Nation Address on July 27.
“It’s a show of force to project power, but no amount of arms or the display of armed might can change the sentiment of a people towards an unpopular regime.”
Pangilinan says that the government should exercise restraint and continue efforts to achieve lasting peace in the country instead of intimidating critics and opponents.
“We support all efforts at arriving at a just and lasting peace. Every life spared as the guns remain silent should be lauded. We may not reach a comprehensive peace agreement at this time, but a cessation of hostilities pending negotiations is still a welcome development.”