GMA: Asean poised to become dynamo

CEBU — The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is poised to become a "dynamo" and a "formidable bloc" in the world following its signing of landmark agreements on counterterrorism, protection of migrant workers, free trade and a pro-democracy charter, President Arroyo said.

"From a sharing and caring community, we can become a dynamo, the hub and core of East Asia, immersed in robust, open trade from within the region and across the oceans — building security and prosperity in millions of communities from east to west," Mrs. Arroyo said in a statement.

She lauded the ASEAN leaders for their "unequivocal commitment and common spirit" as they "carved out an unprecedented roadmap of ASEAN community towards closer integration and greater heights of achievement by 2015, backed by enhanced economic, political and socio-cultural partnerships."

"Through thick and thin, we have sailed towards unity as one formidable alliance to stamp out poverty, address inequality in its varied dimensions, attend to the social impact of economic integration, guarantee social protection and sound environmental governance and focus on the welfare of our workers," Mrs. Arroyo said.

The President said it would soon be "payback time" for ASEAN for its efforts in upholding the interest of the region and its people.

"This summit will break new ground as we continue to foster peace and stability, economic prosperity and claim our collective destiny," she said.

In her statement as the ASEAN chairperson, she said the leaders signed the Convention on Counter-Terrorism to enhance the region’s capacity to confront terrorism in all its forms as well as deepen cooperation among law enforcement and other relevant authorities.

They also recognized the importance of inter-faith dialogue in fostering greater understanding among the peoples.

The ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers, on the other hand, aims to shield overseas workers from abuse by their employers or recruiters.

ASEAN will form a high-level task force to help finalize a charter this year, just in time for the 13th summit in Singapore.

Southeast Asian leaders said an ASEAN constitution would be a "momentous undertaking" and a "crowning achievement" for the alliance because it would carry provisions rejecting unconstitutional and undemocratic means of installing governments.

With a Charter of its own, ASEAN is expected to transform into a rules-based organization, with a power to sanction or even expel members for violation of laws on democracy, good governance, and human rights among others.

A pat on the back

Mrs. Arroyo has earned plaudits from ASEAN leaders, particularly from Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, for helping her fellow leaders gain "much progress" from the summit.

"President Arroyo has handled the meeting very well and speedily and we are able to cover (much) ground," Abdullah said.

He said one of the most important achievements of the summit was the crafting of a blueprint for a Charter which aims to give the grouping a binding legal personality.

"We would like to have the Charter," he said, adding that it would give direction to future policies and actions. He said there were no "violent disagreements" over the creation of a Charter.

Stealing the limelight

Abdullah stole the limelight from Mrs. Arroyo, at least for an hour, as he held a media conference and exchanged jokes with some press people.

He said he was surprised by the big turnout of mediamen and remarked in jest that he could not tell their nationalities because they "all look the same."

It was an hour of light banter and hard issues for Abdullah and the journalists who appeared to have greatly appreciated his being the first ASEAN leader to do business with them.