May 6, 2011

All Systems Go for Global Liberal Event in Manila

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) are on board for the preparations for the 57th Liberal International (LI) Congress in Manila on June 16-20, 2011.

This was announced at the press briefing held on 05 May 2011 to update members of the media regarding the event. The program, delegates, and list of organizers were discussed. Dr. Neric Acosta, Secretary-General of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) said that all institutions involved are working in synergy to ensure that foreign guests will have a pleasant stay in Manila. “We have all aspects covered. DFA has promised to assist in visa issuance for delegates that need visa to enter the country. DILG is top of security. The Department of Tourism (DOT) has also been accommodating of our request to provide promotional materials on the Philippines to attract even more visitors,” shared Acosta.

Office of Political Affairs of the Office of the President Chito Gascon

Former Director-General of the Liberal Party of the Philippines (LP) and now undersecretary in the Office of Political Affairs of the Office of the President Chito Gascon stated that LP is pleased to host the first LI Congress in Asia, which is a gathering of 300 members of parliament, party leaders, ministers, and heads of state.

Activities in the run-up to the LI Congress, titled Road to Manila Congress: Shifting Gears For Democracy, were also announced at the press briefing. Three forums centering democracy will be held weekly beginning 19 May 2011. Politicians, NGOs, and members of the academe have been invited as panelists. “The Philippines has made a lot of contributions to democracy on the national, regional, and global level. We wish to highlight these in the forums, and these could set the tone for more comprehensive discussions at the LI Congress,” said Jules Maaten, Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) Country Director. FNF is a co-organizer of the LI Congress.

Secretary-General of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats Dr. Neric Acosta

LI is the world federation of liberal democratic political parties, where the Liberal Party of the Philippines (LP) is the first Asian full member. The 57th Congress, with the theme Human Rights and Trade, is taking place in Manila and will demonstrate President Benigno Aquino’s “ability to develop an administration that is a benchmark of good governance.” President Aquino is a long-standing member of LP and is now its Chairman. “Our membership from over 80 countries will learn from a government that is also able to show solidarity with the international community in bringing issues like human rights, democracy and free trade to the forefront,” said LI Secretary-General Emil Kirjas during his visit to Manila in February 2011.