Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will meet with President Barack Obama in Washington DC on July 30, the Department of Foreign Affairs has confi rmed on July 12. This will be the fi rst meeting between the two presidents since Obama’s victory in November of last year and during Arroyo’s fi nal months of being the Philippine Chief Executive for nine years.

In a statement from the White House, the meeting is expected to be a venue for the two heads of state "to discuss ways to enhance US-Philippine cooperation on critical global issues including counter-terrorism and climate change, as well as further the traditionally strong alliance and bond between our nations."

Seemingly ambiguous, the said statement has been a topic of dispute between various sectors who are abuzz with speculations, criticisms, opinions and suggestions on what may be the possible agenda between the two leaders.

According to Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, "President Arroyo will discuss our poverty alleviation and economic resiliency programs, good governance, counter terrorism efforts and its contribution to peace and stability in the region, and is an affi rmation of the strong partnership between the two countries."

Sen. Francis Pangilinan said that Arroyo should bear in mind that America’s interest in the Philippines is based on "their concern about the growing economic and political strength of China."

"We must be careful not to be used as an unwitting pawn in the struggle between two giants," he said.

Sen. Manuel Roxas II believes that "the US concerns over the Philippines is confi ned to security issues and combating terrorism," given the recent visit of CIA Chief Leon Panetta in the country.

Sen. Cayetano advised Pres. Arroyo to push "for the rights of Filipino veterans and fi nd ways to help Filipinos working in the US who are greatly affected by the fi nancial crisis."

The leaders of the House of Representatives suggested that Pres. Arroyo "should make a pitch for increased military assistance and strengthened economic partnership with the US."

Meanwhile, United Opposition and Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay thinks that the meeting may be instrumental to secure Obama’s support for Cha-Cha, in exchange for the return of the US bases in Philippine shores.

Lawmakers from the opposition are emphasizing on the Visiting Forces Agreement since it has affected good relations between the two countries.

The list could go on and on.

But whatever the agenda may be, everyone unanimously agrees that Pres. Arroyo should have one thing foremost in mind. As succinctly stated by Senator Pangilinan," Pres. Arroyo should ensure that the country’s interest would be primordial in meeting with President Obama." (AJPress)

( www.asianjournal.com )

( Published on July 15, 2009 in Asian Journal Los Angeles p. A7 )