Philippines: PGMA sets series of meetings with political, religious leaders to firm up anti-poverty plans

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has set a series of meetings with leaders of various sectors, including political and religious groups, in a move to forge a national consensus on ending political violence and poverty.

The President made the announcement of her forthcoming meetings in her opening statement during the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC)-Cabinet Group meeting at Malacanang today.

�In the next few weeks, I will be meeting with the leaders of different political and religious groups, and other sectors to discuss ways and means to stop political violence, push peace initiatives and intensify measures to help the poor,� she said in Filipino.

Stressing the need for unity to move the country forward, the President said that for the �sake of the nation, let us all unite and pray.�

The President bewailed that too much politicking was undermining the government�s gains in the fight against poverty and the delivery of enhanced socio-economic services to the poor.

She called anew on the legislators to stop politicking and political bickerings and instead buckle down to work on legislations that would benefit the poor.

She said it was important that the country�s leaders and other stakeholders work together to push for political reforms and move the nation workward.

�The preoccupation with politics, past and present, does not promote the stability, policy continuity, security and peace and order that we will need to continue to move the country forward,� the President said.