Bro. Mike, Manalo, Vidal invited to council meeting

The country’s influential religious leaders have been invited to join the Council of State meeting on Jan. 24 and sit among the nation’s leaders and statesmen to chart the country’s direction.

A top Malacañang official said the invitation extended to the nation’s top religious leaders is an effort to influence the elder statesmen and opposing political leaders to unite and get their act together for the good of the nation.

Among those invited to attend the historic meeting are Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde and Iglesia ni Cristo executive minister Bro. Eraño Manalo.

Officials said President Arroyo and Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. also invited leaders of other Christian and Muslim groups to the meeting at Malacañang to help foster unity.

An official said Vidal already confirmed yesterday his attendance at the meeting.

"Our religious leaders would have a stabilizing influence during the meeting and they can help bridge differences and promote understanding between our political leaders," the official said.

The same official disclosed formal invitations would be sent in the coming days but the religious leaders have reportedly been informally invited through emissaries.

Vidal is in a very good position to help heal political differences, the official stressed, since the Church leader is often sought for guidance by Mrs. Arroyo and opposition leaders.

De Venecia confirmed that the religious leaders had been invited to the meeting since they have maintained their neutrality in the nation’s political affairs.

"We will all listen to their wise counsel as they have always been immersed with the people," De Venecia said.

He said the Council of State, as formed by former President Corazon Aquino in 1987, is "the highest national advisory body."

Another Palace official disclosed the efforts to invite former Presidents Corazon Aquino and Joseph Estrada to the Council of State meeting.

The only senior statesman that has confirmed his attendance is former President Fidel Ramos.

Ramos took the initiative to call for the council meeting in an effort to unify the country and carve out the nation’s destiny.

Malacañang last week urged opposition leaders to participate in the Council of State meeting and present their agenda.

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said the Council of State meeting would allow many ideas, suggestions, and proposals from political leaders to be weighed and discussed on how to further the country’s development and unity.

"We all know that improving our economic condition and finding ways how to let our economic improvements be felt by our countrymen are vital issues that we must tackle," he said

Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio, who is organizing the meeting, said among the pressing issues to be discussed will be the proposals to amend the Constitution, electoral reforms and efforts to maximize "prospects and opportunities for an economic takeoff" for the country.

The last time the Council was convened was three years ago.

Claudio stressed the Council is the highest consultative and advisory body of the government which serves as a forum "for the exchange of ideas, fostering of national cooperation, proposing meaningful reforms in government and advising the President on matters of public policy."

The Council of State was created by Mrs. Aquino through an executive order on Sept. 9, 1987. The EO was revitalized on Jan. 16, 2003 by Mrs. Arroyo through EO No. 168.

Included in the Council of State are the Deputy Speakers of the House of Representatives, the President Pro-Tempore of the Senate, the majority and minority leaders of both chambers of Congress, the Executive Secretary, the Cabinet, the leaders of the local government unit federations and the members from the private sector.