| More senators urge
Aventajado to step down as negotiator PASAY CITY (ABS-CBN) - More senators are calling on Presidential
Adviser on Flagship Projects Robert Aventajado to give up his role as chief government
negotiator for the Sulu hostage crisis, as they urged him that its now time to concentrate
on the country's garbage problem.
"His (Aventajado) time is up," said Senator Gringo
Honasan, echoing the call of two opposition senators who have earlier called on Aventajado
to stop negotiating with the extremist Abu Sayyaf group.
Honasan said Aventajado's voluntary exit would give way for
the government to find his replacement.
Earlier, Aventajado hinted that he is already exhausted of his
three-month work negotiating with the Abu Sayyaf for the release of the Sipadan hostages,
although there was no categorical statement that he will indeed give up his post.
Opposition senators Raul Roco and Teofisto Guingona had
earlier criticized Aventajado's dual role in the government, saying his duty as
presidential adviser on flagship projects, particularly the solid waste management
disposal, has been neglected because the latter is focusing too much on the Mindanao
crisis.
The two solon said Aventajado's role as hostage negotiator is
occupying most of his time, this despite that fact that his role as a negotiator is a
temporary setup.
"I have the highest regard for Secretary Aventajado, but
does he still have time considering he seems to be in Mindanao (most of the time) trying
to get hostages out of Abu Sayyaf," Roco said.
The senators said Aventajado could also give up his post as
presidential adviser on flagship programs if he so wishes.
Honasan said that while Aventajado's success in the hostage
crisis is "purely commendable," he has neglected his other job which is garbage
management.
The solon added Aventajado deserves a "rest"
following his "difficult job."
JMC
As this developed, Honasan urged the Cabinet Cluster E to
designate Aventajado's replacement to work out the release of 12 Jesus Miracle Crusade
members led by tele-evangelist Bro. Wilde Almeda.
Meanwhile, Senator Robert Barbers said he is more than willing
to be part of the government negotiating panel as adviser in the stalled peace talks with
the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
"Being a Mindanaoan who knows and understands by heart
the problems and needs of the people in Mindanao, I am sure that I can contribute in my
own little way to the peace process."
MILF leaders have expressed desire to include Barbers in the
government negotiating panel. Barbers hails from Caraga region.
The Abu Sayyaf hostage crisis sparked at the same time with
the MILF secessionist movement last April.
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