Philippine Ambassador to the United States Willy C. Gaa today said that the consultancy services to be provided by Amb. Stuart E. Eizenstat, partner and chair of the International Practice of Covington & Burling LLP, will be welcome support to the efforts of the Philippines in pursuing its interests in the United States. The Covington & Burling is one of the leading law firms in Washington, DC.

After complying with the requirements of Philippine laws and regulations, particularly those relating to transparency, and after several rounds of discussions, Ambassador Gaa signed on Jan. 30, 2008, the contract engaging the services of Ambassador Eisenstat.

“Ambassador Eizenstat and his team in Covington & Burling will provide welcome support to our efforts here in Washington,” Ambassador Gaa said.  “Our consultant and his excellent team will work broadly on a bipartisan basis, particularly in Congress,” he added.

Ambassador Gaa said that the contract will be for six months and worth US$500,000.00.

“Most importantly,” Ambassador Gaa emphasized, “our work priority and that of Ambassador Eizenstant and his team remains that of correcting the grave injustice that was done to our World War II veterans.”  Ambassador Gaa said that the Philippine Government remains committed and determined to win  for “Filipino veterans the benefits, dignity and recognition that they truly deserve.”

“In carrying out his task, Ambassador Eizenstat will have the support of the top tier of the government affairs and international practice groups of Covington & Burling LLP,” Ambassador Gaa explained.

Ambassador Gaa said that the contract will be for six months and worth US$500,000.00.  No additional expenses will be charged to the Philippine Government, including travel and representation.

According to Ambassador Gaa, the Philippine Embassy will be releasing to the public a copy of the contract in a few days, after the signed copy had been received by the appropriate officials in the Philippines and after the contract had been registered with the US Department of Justice.

Philippine laws and regulations, particularly Executive Order No. 662-A, Series of 2007 dated 15 Nov 07 entitled “Amending Executive Order No. 662, Series of 2007 entitled Enhancing Transparency Measures under Republic Act No. 9184 and Creating the Procurement Transparency Group,” requires that the contract be submitted to the Procurement Transparency Group which is headed by the Government Procurement Policy Board, which in turn is chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management.

With regard to US law, US federal law, particularly the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) of 1938, requires the registration of a contract of this nature with the Department of Justice.

‘We are looking forward to working with Ambassador Eizenstat and his team,” Ambassador Gaa said.  # # #

Bookmark this Article

Your Name / Email Address:

Please enter the above numbers