Instead of focusing on Charter change, Senator Richard Gordon said President Arroyo should focus on the country’s unity and stability.

“I don’t think she has her focus on the right areas. She’s totally focused perhaps on extending herself, on Charter change,” Gordon said, during a forum in Intramuros, Manila, Tuesday.

“Perhaps she’s going through the motions of looking for jobs which is the proper thing to do, but you know the first thing that any president or executive does is unity and stability,” he said.

Gordon said unless there’s unity and stability, the peace problem in Mindanao can never be truly addressed.

“Provide them with a vision that they can participate in, then come in with good and fair governance that will punish the evildoers and reward the people by providing them with the proper incentives and peace and order initiatives,” he said.

Gordon, chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross, expressed hope that the Abu Sayyaf Group will soon release the two workers of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

“I’m hoping for the best all the time but I’m preparing for the worst,” he said.

Last January, Abu Sayyaf abducted Filipina Mary Jean Lacaba, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Swiss Andreas Notter.

Lacaba was freed last April 2, after 77 days in captivity.