We'll conduct a search to see if we can find some Commonwealth (Federal Australian) land either onshore or offshore and we'll put the Commonwealth low-level waste there.

If they want to play sovereign state politics, not-in-my-state politics, okay, they can do that, but they will have to look after their own waste.

Prime Minister John Howard*
on sending Australia's low-level nuclear waste to an offshore island

The very idea of storing nuclear waste on a Pacific atoll or in a country like Nauru is dangerously ridiculous and ought be condemned.

by shadow industry minister Senator Kim Carr*

Someone suggested that a man of the choice of the bishops, somebody of our trust, should be included and appointed by the President to be in that bids and awards committee... the one committee that decides on the contracts, because that's where corruption starts.

CBCP president Archbishop Fernando Capalla*
Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)

We welcome the request of the CBCP to be part of the bidding process... It is our poIicy to invoIve, engage and empower aII sectors in the anti-corruption campaign.

Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio Bunye*

We made contact with the militants three hours before the deadline [on Saturday]... I was with Sheikh Maher when he talked with the militants. We got the extension right there and then. They talked about a lot of things. But [the militants’] only concern was for the Filipinos to pullout from [Iraq] and that they would be out before August 20.

by Lebanese businessman Joseph Bechara*

Through your support and unity, we could resolve and settle this problem with dignity as a nation... What is important now is the safety of Angelo.

Philippine Vice President Noli de Castro*

There's no risk of execution of Angelo de la Cruz.

RP special envoy to the Middle East Roy Cimatu*
told ABS-CBN television in Baghdad

They are still there.

Maj. Honario Aguila told Reuters*

To immediately bring back the Philippine contingent from Iraq will be a concrete manifestation of official concern over the life of Angelo de la Cruz, a driver captured by militant elements of the Iraqi Islamic Army, as well as show proof of non-neglect of the safety of millions of Filipino OFWs.

The US will always be an important ally of the Philippines. But even the US has handed over sovereignty to Iraq, the strongest indicator that the war in Iraq is considered over... and the time has come to save the life of Angelo de la Cruz and safeguard the lives of our migrant workers whose only fault lies in taking on dangerous livelihood opportunities to enable themselves to remit hard-earned money to their families here.

Especially during a time when the Philippines is facing one of its turbulent periods, we cannot be perceived by our people as having a government that does not show genuine concern for its citizens,wherever they are, as they seek a better future for their loved ones.

by Detained former President Joseph Estrada*

We have to save the life of Angelo de la Cruz by all means. Although I would like to say that the Japanese government saved the lives of its three citizens who were also abducted by terrorists without withdrawing their troops in the Middle East. In other words, it can be done by more innovative negotiations with the captors of De la Cruz.

Opposition Sen. Aquilino Q. Pimentel Jr.*

Mrs. Arroyo's decision should not be regarded as giving in to the demands of the Iraqi rebels since our soldiers there have already done their part and recalling them would not in any way affect the security of the war-torn country.

by Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson*

No basis at all for the continued presence of Philippine troops in Iraq... the President would be well-advised to immediately withdraw 51 Philippine troops in Iraq and thereby save not only the life of Filipino driver Angelo de la Cruz but also the lives and liberties of millions of Filipinos working in the Middle East, including our diplomatic and consular personnel in the Middle East and in various Muslim countries in Asia.

by former Senate President Jovito R. Salonga*

The Macapagal-Arroyo regime is accountable for endangering the life of Angelo de la Cruz and millions of other migrant workers by subserviently supporting the illegal and immoral US occupation of Iraq with the sending of Filipino troops and contract workers assisting the US occupiers. In doing so, it has flagrantly violated the national sovereignty of the Filipino people and placed the lives of migrant workers at high risk.

by National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) *

We are definitely going to show it as it is... Film is a documentary. It precisely qualified to the Sundance Film Festival because it is a documentary. The fact is Imelda (Marcos) is and will always be a documentary.

by Film festival director Amable "Tikoy" Aguiluz*
referring to 'Imelda, a documentary'
made by US-based filmmaker Ramona Diaz

During his (Andaya) term, I would be acting as senior vice chair(man) of the committee. He would transfer his functions to me in the next budget hearing.

There is no winner or loser... The President is the winner because we have prevented an escalating debate or a possible fallout in the House because of these committee chairmanship issues.

by Albay Representative Joey Salceda*

We've agreed on programs such as supporting the 10-point agenda of the President. We'd also teach each other our expertise on certain areas... She (Arroyo) was only informed that we've reached an agreement. The President is hands off on this issue.

by Camarines Sur Representative Rolando Andaya Jr.*

We have decided to focus on the passage of revenue measures in the next 100 days... This is in the spirit of our proposal to give the highest political priority to addressing the fiscal crisis, employing a strong political will.

by House Speaker Jose de Venecia*

Of course, he is happy... (But) we would be much happier if President Erap (Estrada's nickname) is transferred to our house at Polk Street in North Greenhills from our rest house in Tanay, Rizal. If that is granted, we would be with him every day.

Senator Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada*

We welcome the decision of the court... It is consistent with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's policy of humanitarian consideration under the law for the former President.

by presidential spokesperson Ignacio Bunye*

The 'trial of the century' is turning out to be nothing but a sellout. A GMA-Erap deal appears clinched with the court's blessings.

by PlunderWatch convenor Carol Araullo*

I don't think there is any relation... It is completely separate. Remember that the issue decided is whether or not the use of the Jose Velarde account violated our laws on the use of aliases. The Sandiganbayan correctly ruled that it does not because an element of the crime is consistent and repeated use of the alias. In this particular instance, it would appear that the name Jose Velarde was only used once. But it does not affect at all the issues pertaining to plunder. That's a completely different case.

by Senate President Franklin Drilon*

We'd rather die in Iraq while earning than die of hunger here in the Philippines.

Edgardo Lumapas
speaking on behalf of hundreds of fellow job seekers, Manila

My head and stomach are hurting from hunger, but I still have to wait here and wait for my turn... I have been here for five days and I need to be interviewed. I need to desperately get out of the Philippines because there are no jobs here.

Erlinda Quillana
a 46-year-old mother of six, another job-seeker
Philippines

The foreign ministry is coordinating the pullout of the humanitarian contingent with the ministry of defense... As of today, our head count is down from 51 to 43.

Foreign Secretary Delia Albert*
as Agence France-Presse reported

We believe that a decision by the Philippine government to withdraw their 51 troops ahead of schedule would send the wrong signal to terrorists.

We are seeking clarification from the government now... It is certainly their decision to make, but again, we believe that if (a withdrawal) were the decision, it would send the wrong signal to the terrorists.

by White House spokesman Scott McClellan*

"We certainly noted the remarks and are disappointed to see remarks like this at a time when Iraq is fighting for stability and peace."

I do think we have to keep the onus where it belongs, and that's on the kidnappers. And there's no excuse for kidnapping, for murder, for the kind of threats that have been made against this gentleman and that he should be released immediately.

As you know, our policy is not to negotiate or provide benefits to terrorists.

spokesman Richard Boucher*
US State Department

Angelo de la Cruz is a metaphor of all overseas Filipino workers.. We have to show we are a sovereign country. We have to define what is our national interest, not (US President) George Bush. Who cares if they (the Americans) are unhappy?

by political scientist Clarita Carlos*
University of the Philippines

We strongly urged the Philippines not to give in to the demands of terrorists because we will all pay a price if they do... If countries give in to terrorists it will only encourage them to kidnap more hostages in an attempt to change the foreign policy of countries. Australia could not and would never do that.

by a spokesman for Alexander Downer*
Australia's Foreign Minister

We call upon the captors of our Filipino brother Angelo de la Cruz to free him because he is only a worker forced by economic hardship to venture into Iraq. Angelo has nothing to do with the Philippine government policy... Islam has strictly prohibited hurting non-combatants in times of war and the Prophet Mohammad Sallallahu Allaihi Wassalam showed mercy and tolerance to prisoners of war... But let us not forget that the Iraqi people are fighting a legitimate struggle to drive invaders and occupiers in their country. Even in the United States, the war against Iraq is now widely seen as bereft of legal and moral foundation.

If the United States is serious about ridding the world of WMDs, then President Bush can start with Israel and North Korea. Only probelm is that Israel and North Korea are not Muslim countries swimming in oil unlike Iraq.

by lawyer Abdurahman R.T. Linzag*
president, Islamic Da’wah Council of the Philippines (IDCP)