MANILA, Philippines - For her vital role in crafting the framework agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles was conferred the first Freedom Flame Award by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FnF). The German non-government organization promotes liberal democracy, economic freedom, respect for human rights and rule of law.
“FnF recognized Secretary Deles’ tireless efforts to promote a peaceful settlement for Bangsamoro,” FnF country director Jules Maaten said.
The Freedom Flame Award is given to personalities who “played significant roles in this year’s milestones, in events that led to allowing Filipinos to better experience freedom in the country.“
Maaten said that the signing of the framework agreement on Oct. 15 and the impeachment of former chief justice Renato Corona were two significant events in Philippine history this year.
“In the years to come, we will be looking back at these events as markers of Philippine history,“ Maaten said.
“These historic events were people-driven. They were not done because of political expediency. They were done because these are what the people wanted,” Maaten added.
Aside from Deles, the other awardees included Sen. Franklin Drilon for pushing for the sin tax bill; Rep. Erin Tañada for upholding the Freedom of Information bill; Presidential Adviser on Environmental Protection Nereus Acosta and singer-songwriter Noel Cabangon for their efforts to help the environment; Rep. Niel Tupas, Jr. for his part in the Corona impeachment trial; and Rappler editor Marites Vitug for her reports and reflections on the impeachment trial.
Also recognized during the awarding ceremony was the family of the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, for their courage and for being “beacons of hope for Filipinos who wish for better governance.”
Deles said the award will serve as a reminder of our “continuous perseverance in pursuit of a just and lasting peace“ for all Filipinos.
“War has brought hunger and created gaps in health and education services. With the framework agreement on the Bangsamoro, we created a roadmap that will give the people freedom from fear and insecurity,” Deles said.