Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09MANILA644
2009-03-24 08:33:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Manila
Cable title:  

Philippine Response on ADB Safeguard Review

Tags:  PREL PGOV ETRD ADB RP 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO7893
OO RUEHCHI RUEHCN RUEHDT RUEHFK RUEHHM RUEHKSO RUEHNAG RUEHPB
DE RUEHML #0644 0830833
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 240833Z MAR 09
FM AMEMBASSY MANILA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 3620
INFO RUEHZS/ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS IMMEDIATE
RUEHZU/APEC COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE
UNCLAS MANILA 000644 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV ETRD ADB RP
SUBJECT: Philippine Response on ADB Safeguard Review

Ref: SECSTATE 21473

UNCLAS MANILA 000644

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV ETRD ADB RP
SUBJECT: Philippine Response on ADB Safeguard Review

Ref: SECSTATE 21473


1. Philippine Department of Finance Director Stella Laureano told
us on March 23 that she shares the concerns of the Asian Development
Bank's U.S. Mission on the draft revised safeguard policies that
address free, prior, and informed project consent of indigenous
peoples. Laureano commented that seeking 100% consensus from
indigenous groups in the Philippines has blocked worthwhile
infrastructure projects. She agreed that "more workable"
approaches, including those suggested by the U.S., should be
explored.


2. Laureano expects that the safeguard policy draft will soon be
circulated to relevant Philippine government agencies, including the
Department of Finance, the National Economic and Development
Authority, and the Department of Budget and Management. She
indicated that these agencies fully appreciate the need to adopt
language that will not unduly impair Asian Development Bank funding.
These agencies will confer with the Philippines' National
Commission on Indigenous Peoples. Laureano agreed to inform us of
the results of those consultations.

KENNEY