LOOK: Congressman Rufus B Rodriguez met with the Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency David Hartman, in the Canadian Embassy in the Philippines. Cong. Rodriguez and Ambassador Hartman discussed various issues including the long-standing friendship of Canada and the Philippines. It was brought up that more than 1 million FIlipinos are now living and working in Canada. The possibility of having more employment opportunities for Kagay-anons in Canada was also discussed. The current situation in the West Philippine Sea was also discussed, particularly the victory of the Philippines in the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which Canada fully supports. More Canadian naval vessels will visit the West Philippine Sea to support the sovereign rights of the Philippines to its 200 mile Exclusive Economic Zone. Also the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives will support programs in CdeO for the rule of law, local governance, Women’s rights and the welfare of children. The current push to amend the restrictive economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution with Cong Rufus as Chair of the Committee on Constitutional Amendments was also discussed with Ambassador Hartman saying that many Canadian companies are ready and willing to invest in the Philippines once we amend the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution. Also in the meeting were Embassy of Canada’s Political Counsellor, Mr. Colin Townson, and Second Secretary Peter Wright who has recently visited CdeO and conferred with Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez and Atty Regine Rodriguez on the above local programs. Source: Cong. Rufus B. Rodriguez FB Page Photos by: Cong. Rufus B. Rodriguez FB Page
