INVITATION FOR HOUSE SPEAKER PELOSI

UNCLAS MANILA 001279 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR EAP/MTS AND H E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL OREP OVIP RP SUBJECT: INVITATION FOR HOUSE SPEAKER PELOSI ¶1. Under cover of an April 12 letter to the Ambassador, Philippine House of Representatives Secretary General Roberto P. Nazareno forwarded the original versions of letters to U.S. House Speaker Pelosi dated March 2 and March 28 from Philippine House Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr. The Philippine Congress is organizing a series of events on June 7 to commemorate the centennial of the Philippine legislature, and Speaker de Venecia invites Speaker Pelosi to lead a delegation and deliver a "Centennial Message." Embassy will fax copies to EAP/MTS. ¶2. According to Speaker de Venecia's staff, the Speaker is also inviting Speakers from other countries' legislatures to attend. ¶3. Comment: Embassy would warmly welcome a visit by Speaker Pelosi, and other members of the U.S. Congress, either for this special event or at any time. Our long-standing and unique relations with this former colony and continued close ally in the Global War on Terror are an important part of our diplomatic present and future. The U.S. establishment of democratic institutions that is celebrated to this day in this country is especially noteworthy. The U.S. is working closely with the Philippine Congress and government on a wide variety of exciting programs that we would be delighted to show U.S. lawmakers in person. End comment ¶4. Please advise of any response. ¶5. Text of March 2 letter H.E. Nancy Pelosi Speaker, House of Representatives United States of America Excellency: Invitation to the Centennial Celebrations of the Philippine House of Representatives This year the House of Representatives of the Congress of the Philippines celebrates its Centennial on the theme, "One Hundred Years of the Philippine Legislature - a History of Service and Development Through Lawmaking." As the "Philippine Assembly," a popularly-elected unicameral Legislature of 80 members, convened by the Americans at the beginning of their rule, met for the first time in October 1907. The first indigenous lawmaking body in colonial Asia, it immediately became the spokesman of Filipino nationalism, the protector of Filipino civil rights, and the vanguard of Philippine democracy. Until now these are the civic ideals our House continues to espouse and enhance. Beginning on 7 June 2007, we shall be holding a series of Centennial activities, which will include a special Plenary Session, the unveiling of a Centennial marker, the launching of a commemorative book summarizing the House's first century, the opening of a Commemorative Exhibit, and a Gala Dinner in the evening. We should be pleased - and honored - if your Excellency would lead a delegation of three-four members from your Legislature to visit our country during these celebrations. Since we value the United States' Congress as a friend and partner, we regard Your Excellency's presence as adding significance and meaning to our Centennial celebrations. We hope that your Delegation can arrange to arrive in Metro Manila by the sixth of June. We look forward to Your Excellency's favorable reply. With bet wishes and highest regards. Yours sincerely, Jose de Venecia, Jr. Speaker House of Representatives Republic of the Philippines End text ¶6. Text of March 28 letter H.E. Nancy Pelosi Speaker, House of Representatives United States of America Dear Mme. Speaker, Invitation to Deliver a Brief Message At Our Centennial Plenary Session Further to our note inviting Your Excellency to lead a Delegation to the Centenary of the House of Representatives of the Congress of the Philippines, we are pleased to request you to deliver a Centennial Message to our Members, who will convene in a Special Plenary Session on 7 June 2007. For your reference, I enclose a Fact Sheet on the Philippines and a Brief History of our House of Representatives, which first convened as the "Philippine Assembly" under American rule in 1907. Please course the physical arrangements for your Delegation's visit through the Philippine Mission in your country, and coordinate them through our Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Special Affairs Department in Metro Manila. This latter office is reachable through telephone numbers (632)-931-5979, (632)-931-6851 and fax number (632)-931-5595. We hope for a favorable reply to our invitation at your earliest convenience, since Your Excellency's presence will make this milestone event in our House's life all the more memorable and significant. Yours very truly, Jose de Venecia, Jr. Speaker House of Representatives Republic of the Philippines End text JONES