Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Arroyo in peace talks?.

No word yet from President Aquino
By Christine O. Avendaño
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Malacañang said on Sunday it still had to ask President Benigno Aquino III about Sen. Gregorio Honasan’s proposal to include surviving former presidents in the peace effort with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“We would like to get the President’s sense before we make any comment,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a phone patch interview with reporters.

Honasan had said the convening of a council of state that includes former Presidents Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo would show the government’s good faith in its peace negotiations with the rebel group.

The senator also said the government should continue with the peace talks despite the killing of 19 soldiers in the Basilan clash more than two weeks ago.

Valte said that the issue of good faith of the government in the peace talks with the MILF “had never been in question.”

“From the very start, we would often say and show good faith is instrumental for our goal of achieving peace,” the deputy spokesperson said.

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