Galvez lauds House of Representatives for swift approval of peace investment budget
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) has expressed gratitude to the House of Representatives (HOR) for the approval of the P7 billion peace investment budget that will be used to fund transformation, rehabilitation and socio-economic programs that aim to uplift the lives of former rebels, their families, and their communities across the country.
Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr said the approval was one of the swiftest approvals during the resumption of the plenary deliberations on the proposed 2024 budget of various government agencies.
The OPAPRU, led by Galvez, was not interpellated nor questioned during the deliberation, which lasted for only two minutes.
“President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. believes that the sustainability and effectiveness of peacebuilding initiatives will be crucial in addressing pressing peace and security concerns affecting the country,” Galvez said.
“As the President has stated, ‘We cannot afford to go back to square one,’” he added.
Galvez extended his gratitude to House speaker Martin Romualdez, House Majority leader Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe and Minority leader Rep. Marcelino Libanan for their steadfast commitment to the peace process.
“The non-objection of the HOR to the OPAPRU’s budget speaks volumes. It reflects the genuine and unwavering support of Congress to the peace investment under the Marcos administration. These projects will be life-changing for the former rebels, their families, and conflict-prone communities,” Galvez said.