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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Ex-Sen. Honasan urges PBBM to convene state council; calls for calm, unity amid Marcos-Duterte political bickering

Ex-Sen. Honasan urges PBBM to convene state council; calls for calm, unity amid Marcos-Duterte political bickering

Published Nov 26, 2024 06:08 am

Former Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan II on Tuesday, November 26 called for calm and sobriety amid the growing political tension between the nation’s two leaders, emphasizing the need to prioritize the country’s welfare over political differences.


Honasan made the appeal in light of the ongoing heated verbal exchanges between President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte.


“Hindi dapat tayo nagpapadala sa bugso ng damdamin. Mahalaga ang manatili tayong kalmado at pagsikapan na pag-usapan kung anuman ang pagkakaiba sa paniniwala (We should not give in to bursts of emotion. It is important that we remain calm and try to discuss any differences in beliefs),” Honasan said in a statement.


“Ang kapakanan ng bayan ang dapat na una nating isaalang-alang, hindi ang ating mga personal na hidwaan (The welfare of the people should be our first consideration, not our personal conflicts),” the former lawmaker said.


At the same time, the former senator renewed his proposal for President Marcos to convene a State Council composed of former Presidents Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Joseph Estrada and Rodrigo Duterte so they can provide a discreet platform for addressing critical national issues, away from public and media scrutiny.


“Hindi kailangang ilahad sa publiko ang bawat detalye ng diskusyon. Mas makabubuting ang mga dating lider ng ating bansa ay magkaisa upang talakayin ang mga suliranin nang pribado at produktibo (There’s no need to divulge every detail of the discussion to the public. It would be better for the former leaders of our country to unite to discuss the problems privately and productively),” he explained.


Honasan further said it is important to conduct political discussions with civility and respect.


Thus, he said national leaders should set aside political rivalries and lead by example.


“Marami pa rin ang nagugutom. Maraming kabataan ang nangangarap ng de-kalidad na edukasyon. Marami rin ang walang maayos na tirahan. At kailangan pa rin nating tiyakin ang seguridad ng ating bansa at teritoryo (Many are still hungry. Many young people dream of quality education. Many also do not have proper shelter. And we still need to ensure the security of our country and territory),” he emphasized.


“Unity will tide us through what is happening in our nation, not political divisions,” he stressed.


At the same time, Honasan called for an elevated level of discourse and a focus on tangible solutions.


“Tayong lahat ay bahagi ng solusyon. Huwag na nating palakihin ang hidwaan. (We are all part of the solution. Let's not escalate the conflict). We move forward together, not apart,” he said.

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gringo honasan Marcos administration VP Sara Duterte PBBM
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