Llamas frowns on proposal to seek Gloria Arroyo’s help in peace talks

MANILA, Philippines—While President Benigno Aquino III has yet to give his view, his political adviser seemed not inclined to a proposal for former presidents to help the Aquino government in its peace efforts with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front if this would include former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Echoing deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte, presidential political adviser Ronald Lllamas said the proposal made by Sen. Gregorio Honasan had not yet been discussed in the Palace.

But Llamas frowned on the idea that Arroyo, now a Pampanga representative, be included in the so-called Council of State that Honasan was proposing to help the government talk peace with the MILF. Aside from Arroyo, the proposed Council of State would also include former Presidents Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada.

“It would be a little off and hypocritical for the present administration to consult GMA about problems she helped created in the midst of numerous plunder cases being filed against her,” Llamas said in a text message.

Mr. Aquino had earlier said his administration was poised to file charges against Arroyo but did not say what these cases were. Arroyo is facing six plunder cases filed against her on her alleged involvement in several controversial cases during her administration, including the alleged scuttled $329-million national broadband network deal with China’s ZTE Corp.

Honasan had said Mr. Aquino’s convening of a Council of State would show the government’s good faith in its peace negotiations with the MILF.