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Camille P. Balagtas
People's TONIGHT
August 21, 2002


ORETA'S REACTION REGARDING KRIS AND JOEY



KEEP NINOY'S IDEALS ALIVE, TESSIE URGES GOVT. & PEOPLE
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On the occasion of the 19th death anniversary of her brother, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., opposition Senator Teresa Aquino Oreta has expressed concern that Filipinos could be fast losing hope on democracy as a tool in winning the war against generational poverty, even as she urged the Arroyo administration to reverse this growing sense of desperation among the masa by sharpening its focus on building "a strong Republic" that will truly empower the poor, the weak and the oppressed in society.

Oreta called on the Arroyo administration Tuesday to keep Ninoy's ideals alive by making the masa feel that democracy remains the best system of government that would help them build better lives while keeping true to the fundamental rights and liberties that her murdered brother and all other Filipino patriots had fought and died for.

She noted the latest Human Development Report of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) indicates that several countries that used to enjoy democracy have reverted to authoritarian rule, apparently because of the failure of democratic governments to deliver economic and social benefits to the people.

Another point of concern, Oreta said, is a recent University of the Philippines study showing that while most Filipinos believe that democracy is still the best political system for us, they are getting increasingly disenchanted with the way democracy works in our country.

Oreta noted that these indicators appear to show the growing disillusionment of ordinary citizens with the way democracy has failed to deliver results from them in terms of improving their lives.

"This is a cause for concern that should not be ignored by the present administration." Oreta said.

"The pro-democracy movement and bloodless revolt inspired by Ninoy's sacrifice 19 years ago might all go to waste if Filipinos feel that their constitutional freedoms do not serve their interests and welfare. We thus call on the Arroyo administration to help keep Ninoy's ideals alive by making democracy work for the masa."

Oreta recalled that Ninoy's death on August 21, 1983 sparked nationwide protest activities that culminated in the 1986 EDSA Revolt, a bloodless revolution that was eventually replicated by freedom-loving people across the globe.

Hence, she said, it would be ironic if this pro-independence movement that started in the Philippines would its strength right where it gathered its initial burst of energy, just because succeeding governments are perceived not to have delivered fully on their promise to make democracy work for the people in terms of delivering better social and economic benefits to them.

Said Oreta: "Sometimes, when the government fails to hurdle the economic and social challenges that confront it, the people might develop the mistake view that a tougher, strongman rule will provide the answer. This will not happen if the government acts swiftly to fortify a weak democracy by providing it with a strong pro-poor foundation built on initiatives that will provide the masa with adequate opportunities to transform their lives for the better."

Oreta noted that while the UNDP report indicated a reversal of the democratic wave in various parts of the world, it still considers democracy as the "system that can best safeguard human freedoms and dignity of all people" and the "only form of governance that has the incentives to act in the interests of all."

The key to making democracy work as a political system, Oreta said, is through the people's participation in governance. She said the UNDP itself recognizes this key factor when it stressed that "having a means and the freedom to fight for one's rights, to shape decisions about the future of one's community, to gain access to crucial information and markets-in short, having a choice in life, is at the core of human development."

"Thus instead of being disillusioned by with democracy, we Filipinos should work towards strengthening our democratic institutions and joining forces with the government in winning the war against poverty." Oreta said: 'The war against generational poverty is the next struggle that Filipinos should pursue to keep Ninoy's hopes and dreams live and vibrant."

"As we pause to commemorate Ninoy's death anniversary today, my family and I pray that we Filipinos will remain vigilant against injustice of any form-whether it be in to form of political oppression or social inequality like hunger and poverty---so as to keep Ninoy's ideals burning," Oreta said.///camille p. balagtas







ORETA DEFENDED NIECE, KRIS AQUINO
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"I will pray for Kris. She is just human and is capable to commit mistakes."


Meanwhile, on the latest issue involving her niece, it was a mixed emotion for Senator Tessie Aquino Oreta as she was downhearted that her controversial and favorite niece, Kris Aquino, the youngest daughter of the late Benigno Aquino jr., is facing again the scrutiny of the public after she admitted her illicit affair with Paranaque Mayor Joey Marquez.
Oreta who is known to be very close with Ninoy refused to comment against Kris and Marquez alleged relationship.

" Both of them deserves respect. Kris has her own mind and she was brought up the right way. They both have their own reasons in and each of them knows exactly what they want." She explained.

According to the lady senator, the recent brouhaha on the alleged Kris and Joey affair did not affect her relationship with the young actress.

She maintained respect for the TV host who recently arrived from Los Angeles, cutting short a "soul-searching" vacation to commemorate the death anniversary of her father, Ninoy.

It can be recalled that the controversial affair of Kris with actor Philip Salvador almost broke the friendly atmosphere between her and sister-in-law, former President Corazon Aquino.

And this time, Senator Oreta refused to make any further comment in order to maintain the harmony in the family.

'I just hope everything will turn out okay for her niece." Oreta said.

Oreta also explained that the former President reaction against Marquez including Kris brother, Rep. Benigno Aquino III, is just but normal.

"Ganuon talaga pag mahal mo ang isang tao. You want to give the best and as much as possible protect her from possible danger. I think it is but natural human reaction if the person try to protect any member of his family." Oreta told Senate reporters.
///camille p. balagtas