Ople vows closer RP-US ties

Foreign Affairs Secretary-designate Blas Ople vowed yesterday to build closer Philippine-US relations based on mutual respect for sovereignty, common security and shared values of democracy and freedom.

Ople, a two-term senator who has expressed moderate nationalist sentiments throughout his public career, said he does not need to apologize for being a good friend of the United States, stressing that being one will never make him anti-Filipino.

Ople, the incumbent chairman of the foreign relations committee of the treaty-ratifying Senate, also denied reports that the proposed RP-US Mutual Logistics and Support Agreement (MLSA) is being rushed so it could be finished in time for US Secretary of State Colin Powell’s visit in Manila next week.

As the replacement of Vice President Teofisto Guingona Jr., who had a falling out with President Arroyo over policy differences, Ople said he would insist on participating in the formulation of foreign policies.

"I do not intend to be a mere figurehead secretary of the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs). I believe in the integrity of that institution and I will insist on the imposition of certain standards of accountability. I believe that one good boss is better than two bad bosses," he added.

He expressed confidence that he could also work well with former Foreign Affairs Secretary Roberto Romulo, whom he called a good friend. Guingona had previously charged that Romulo headed a parallel DFA with direct access to the President on the formulation of foreign policies.

"I believe in the unity of command. I see no problem in my relations with Bobby Romulo. He has his own turf, I have mine," he said.

In his final press conference at the Senate, Ople also revealed his plans for the DFA, which he will formally join on Tuesday, but stressed he would consult with Guingona, who pushed for salary hikes, housing and increased retirement benefits for DFA employees.

"I will build a truly world-class foreign service, with emphasis on continuing professional growth," he declared.

Ople resigns from LDP

Ople resigned yesterday from the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP) and will attend his last session on Monday as a senator, before taking his oath the following day as foreign affairs secretary.

"My membership in the Cabinet is no longer compatible with my membership in a political party," said Ople, claiming he would adopt an independent stance in the Cabinet as he no longer has any political ambition.

He said he has served the LDP faithfully for over a decade and will always have fond memories of the battles he shared with his partymates who, he hoped, would still consider him a friend although they now followed "divergent paths in the service of our people."

He said he would bid his former partymates goodbye during the minority caucus on Monday, after which he would deliver his valedictory address with the permission of Senate President Franklin Drilon.

Ople had previously said he would take his oath only after voting on the legality of the opposition-conducted session last June 3 to 6. There are indications, however, that there would be no such vote on his final session day in the Senate.

"I have already delayed my oath-taking. I no longer peg my life to the convenience of some friends of mine," he said.

He urged the whole nation to rally behind the efforts of the President to overcome terrorism, stop kidnapping and other crimes, fight corruption in government and in business, revive the economy, create jobs and restore hope.

In his press conference, Ople called on all political parties and leaders to stop wrangling and unite to overcome mass poverty within a decade.

Stop to petty enmities urged

"Life is too short, time too precious to spend on petty enmities," he said.

He also said that he had informed former President Joseph Estrada of his decision to join the Arroyo Cabinet.

"Malungkot daw siya (He was reportedly saddened)," he replied when asked on the reaction of the former president.

Ople, a former Senate President and former ex-officio chairman of the Commission on Appointments, has already received pledges of support by members of the bicameral body.

"They have assured me of a swift confirmation, probably by acclamation," he said.

He has recommended the election of Sen. Ramon Magsaysay Jr. as the new chairman of the Senate committee on foreign relations, which he is relinquishing. Magsaysay will quit as chairman of the defense committee on favor of opposition Sen. Rodolfo Biazon the moment the latter joins the administration bloc.

Some members of the civil society have opposed his appointment, but Ople said he has already forgiven them and his other detractors.

"I ask for mutual forgiveness and reconciliation," he intoned.

He also said that he has also recommended the transfer of Labor Undersecretary Arturo Brion to the DFA as undersecretary in charge of the implementation of the upcoming law on absentee voting.

He disclosed his plans for the DFA as employees of the foreign office urged Ople to "respect the career system."

The DFA Rank-and-File Association, in a statement also congratulated President Arroyo and Ople for "reaching a consensus to set aside politics and work together to serve the best interest of the nation.

The statement, signed by DFARFA founder and secretary general Michael Macaraig, said Ople, being the resident foreign affairs experts of the Senate, is eminently fit for the job.

"He is like one of us. He knows many of us, the depth of talent that we have and professionalism of our workers," the association said.

"We are confident that he will respect the career system of DFA and work for more benefits of the rank and file. Senator Ople will not be known as the champion of the working class for nothing," the statement added.

The DFARFA earlier endorsed Ople to become the new secretary of foreign affairs in a letter they sent to the President. — With Aurea Calica