|
 (December
18, 2007/ Manila, Philippines) The Friedrich Naumann Foundation
(FNF) and the Liberal Party of the Philippines (LP) paid tribute
today to Hon. Franklin Drilon and to Dr. Neric Acosta during the
Liberal Christmas Party celebration at the Mandarin Oriental in
Gateway Mall, Cubao.
LP president,
senator Mar Roxas, honored former senator Drilon with a toast
for his invaluable contributions and principled leadership as
both LP president and CALD chair. Likewise, CALD Women’s Caucus
chair Dina Abad spoke of Dr. Acosta’s adventures as CALD
secretary general and how he was able to bridge diverse
political leaders together.
In response,
former Senator Drilon said that CALD, for more than 14 years,
has stood to uphold the cause and struggle for the fundamental
right to free expression and assembly, democratic choice, and
justice. The Liberal Party stands proud and honored in having
served as CALD Chair Party. He added that LP is deeply inspired
by the synergy of commitment and devotion of the CALD member
parties to the indivisible cause of freedom and democracy.
 Dr.
Acosta, on the other hand, lamented on the difficult times where
the LP of the Philippines had to sail on turbulent waters
withstanding all political pressures and harassments. In his
speech, he described how the Party, through its principled
leadership, has taken the path of the “difficult right”. “It is
the way of moral leadership in the politics of principle over
convenience or expediency, taking this path has come at high
political cost but we are secure in the belief that we simply
did what was the right thing for the country in strengthening of
our institutions,” he further added.
FNF resident
representative Siegfried Herzog also honored Hon. Drilon and Dr.
Acosta. He spoke of their significant role in bringing
Philippine and Asian liberal concerns to a wider audience. “The
time and effort they have devoted to international work has
raised the standing of Filipino liberals and of the Philippines
as a democratic nation. They have enriched the political
debate, and they have enabled other Filipino liberals to share
in this exchange of ideas and experiences,” he affirmed.
Senator
Drilon, former president of the Philippine senate and Dr.
Acosta, former member of the Philippine House of
Representatives, served as CALD chair and secretary general
respectively from 2005-2007. Dr. Acosta, as decided upon by the
CALD executive committee, will continue to assume his position
as CALD secretary general until next year. |
