We extol the late Ninoy Aquino as a martyr for national unity.

More than to advance the struggle for freedom, Ninoy came home to bring all Filipinos together behind one nation and one destiny.

He had a vision for the Philippines that cast down dictatorship and plunder, and elevated democracy and social justice to a high pedestal.

Today, we yearn for the same spiritual and moral upliftment, the same strength and courage he brought home to the land.

We must never forget his profound sacrifice.

Let us revere his memory and live by his ideals.

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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today extolled the late Sen. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. as a martyr for national unity whose struggle for freedom and profound sacrifice must never be forgotten.

"More than to advance the struggle for freedom, Ninoy came home to bring all Filipinos together behind one nation and one destiny," the President said in a statement this morning.

Aquino was assassinated on Aug. 21, 1983 at the old Manila International Airport (MIA) upon his return from self-exile in the United States during the dictatorship. MIA has been renamed the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in his honor.

The Chief Executive motored this morning to the Manila Memorial Park in Sucat, Paranaque for her annual visit to the tomb of the assassinated Filipino leader. Along with presidential daughter "Luli," the President heard mass with former President Corazon Aquino and others at the tomb of the late lawmaker to commemorate his 22^nd death anniversary.

The President said Aquino had a "vision for the Philippines that cast down dictatorship and plunder, and elevated democracy and social justice to a high pedestal."

"He had a vision that galvanized ordinary people to do great things at a time when they lived in fear and want," she said.

The President said that today, Filipinos crave for the same spiritual and moral upliftment, the same strength and courage that Aquino brought to the country.

"We must never forget his profound sacrifice. Let us revere his memory and live by his ideals," she added.

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Malacaņang today created a consultative commission to conduct consultations with various sectors of society, and undertake studies and propose amendments to the 1987 Constitution.

In a special press briefing this morning in Malacanang, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said only "the best and the brightest" will be named to the consultative commission.

The creation of the commission is contained in Executive Order 453, which was released by the Palace this morning.

The commission will be composed of not more than 50 members representing the national, regional and sectoral constituencies who shall be appointed by the President.

Under EO 453, the commission shall commence its work before Sept. 15 and "shall endeavor to complete the same before Dec. 31, 2005."

Ermita pointed out that the President’s commitment to constitutional dates back to the 2004 election campaign. In her State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July, the President strongly batted for Charter change, and called on Congress to start the great debate on the proposal.

She followed up her pronouncement with the statement on the need to create a consultative commission to assist in drafting proposed revisions of the Constitution.

The Charter change proposal is also highlighted in the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) of the Arroyo administration.

"It is for this purpose that today we’re announcing the creation of such a consultative commission," Ermita said.

"We are looking for the best and the brightest among the citizenry, of recognized probity, competence, honesty and patriotism who have broad understanding and knowledge of the Constitution and political systems, he said.

Also present at the press conference were Presidential Management Staff (PMS) chief Secretary Rigoberto Tiglao and Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio R. Bunye.

EO 453, which the President signed Aug. 19, said the country’s "present political and economic systems need structural reforms to respond to inward and global changes as to make them relevant and competitive."

"Applying the appropriate solutions to our chronic political, economic and cultural problems depends, to a large extent, on effective and accountable political institutions, a decentralized government that is more responsive and accountable to the people and allows them to participate effectively in its decisions and the making of social and economic policies," it added.

Ermita said the public should understand the importance of amending the Constitution to enable the country to address the challenges brought about by the present political situation.

The commission will study such proposals as the shift from presidential-unitary system to a parliamentary-federal system of government to enhance the country’s global competitiveness.

Nomination to the commission must be in writing and accompanied by the following supporting documents: (a) curriculum vitae of the nominee; (b) an indication whether the nomination is for a national, regional or sectoral representative; (c) an endorsement by the nominating group or individual; (d) a certification by the nominee that he/she will accept appointment to the Commission, and (e) other materials that may aid the appointing authority.

Nominations can be sent electronically via concom@pms.gov.ph, delivered or mailed to the Office of the Presidential Management Staff c/o PMS Deputy Head Undersecretary Charito Elegir, 10^th Floor, PMS Building, Arlegui st., Malacaņang Complex.

All nominations should reach Elegir’s office not later than Aug. 31, 2005.

Tiglao said a screening committee composed of members of the Cabinet would be formed to review all nominations before endorsing the best applicants to the President.

Ermita stressed that those who will be appointed members of the commission must be prepared to "labor for love of country" since they would not receive monthly compensations.

"They will be entitled to the standard per diems and the Presidential Management Staff will assign a secretariat to help them with their research and other needs," he said.

The national representatives must be men or women of national standing, experienced in government or with recognized competence in their respective fields.

The regional representatives are to be apportioned among the different regions, while sectoral representatives shall be chosen from among other sectors: farmers, fishermen, workers, students, lawyers, professionals, business, military, academic, ethnic, and other groups.

Ermita said he will preside over the first meeting of the Consultative Commission until the body elects a chairman and other officers from among its members.

He said that for better and wider coverage and consultations, the commission members will move around in population centers such as Cebu and Bacolod in the Visayas; and Cotabato, Davao and other areas in Mindanao to enable them to get the real sentiments of the public on the proposed Charter change.

"This will be a very transparent procedure, they (commission members) will announce their schedule, when and what areas they will visit, with whom they will be in contact. I can imagine that they will be meeting with the business sectors, school sectors for them to be able to have a dialogue right there in the field," Ermita added.

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Malacaņang today said all private and public schools in all levels may declare a holiday tomorrow (Monday) to enable students to mark the 22^nd anniversary of the martyrdom of former Sen. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita told a press conference this morning that school officials were given the option to declare the one-day holiday to give their students a chance to participate and observe in a meaningful way the anniversary of Aquino’s death.

The country marked the 22^nd anniversary of Aquino’s assassination today (Aug. 21), a Sunday.

"The President is announcing that schools, both private and public, may have their school holiday tomorrow in observance of the celebration of the martyrdom of the late Senator Aquino," he said.

Aquino was assassinated on the tarmac of the old Manila International Airport (MIA) on August 21, 1983 on his return to Manila from self-exile in the United States.

Before his exile, Aquino was arrested and charged with rebellion by a military court in 1972 when then President Ferdinand Marcos placed the country under martial law.

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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo reiterated last night her call for national unity, particularly at this crucial moment when the country is about to take off economically.

The President renewed her appeal for national solidarity during the celebration of the 21^st anniversary of the El Shaddai and the 66th birthday of its founding spiritual leader, Bro. Mike Velarde, at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.

"Bilang Pangulo ng Pilipinas, handa akong manawagan sa aking mga katunggali. Magkaisa na tayo para ang pulitika ay hindi masira ang sana maging take-off ng ating ekonomiya." (As President, I call on the opposition: let us unite, and let not politics be a stumblingblock to our economic takeoff)," she said.

The President said that that when she was sworn into office following her victory in the 2004 elections, she immediately laid out her 10-point legacy agenda, which includes the call for reconciliation and healing the wounds of EDSA 1, 2 and 3.

She said Bro. Mike voiced the same sentiment in his birthday statement in which he called for peace, unity, and a secure and stable political system and economy.

The President said Velarde, who was once featured in a cover story as a "prophet of prophets," could be God’s instrument in finding an acceptable formula for all parties involved in the reconciliation process.

"Kung noong araw sa mga malubhang panahon ng ekonomiya si Brother Mike ay naging prophet of prophets para hindi tayo mawalan ng pag-asa, ngayon siya naman ay nahubog ng Panginoon bilang prophet of reconciliation," the President said.

Wishing Brother Mike more success, the President said she is also continuously praying for Divine will and guidance to find an acceptable formula towards unity and reconciliation in the country.

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