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