The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) on Monday defended its performance after being accused of having “ghost accomplishments” and failing to deliver on its targets.
The agency dismissed what it called “divisive rhetoric,” stressing that it remains committed to transparency and accountability under the leadership of Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr.
“We welcome and are fully open to the public scrutiny of our operations and financial transactions, which are funded by the nation’s taxpayers and supported by international partners dedicated to the country’s goal of building prosperous, peaceful communities,” OPAPRU said in a statement.
The remarks came after Kamanggagawa Party-list Rep. Elijah San Fernando criticized the agency during budget deliberations last week, claiming its programs had “flatlined.”
In response, OPAPRU pointed out that established monitoring systems based on peace agreements track its progress and accomplishments. “Making unfounded claims can unjustly undermine the dedication and hard work of the women and men of OPAPRU,” it said.
The agency also underscored the importance of “sustained resources” to translate peace agreements into “transformative and inclusive outcomes” for conflict-affected communities.
“Achieving lasting peace is a long-term, shared national journey that requires the committed support and constructive engagement of all sectors of society, rather than rhetoric that can be divisive or distracting,” it added.
