The Republic of the Philippines is seen by the United States as both a major partner and a major front in the war on terrorism. What are the implications of this increased cooperation? Will democracy be strengthened in this island nation?

Virgilio De Los Reyes, who is from the Philippines and is studying international trade and human rights at the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs,will discuss these issues. He is a senior partner (currently on leave) with a law firm in Manila and was previously Undersecretary for Policy Planning and Legal Affairs, Department of Agrarian Reform of the Republic of the Philippines, promoting greater access to legal representation for farmers by using a rights-based approach. Mmr. De Los Reyes is a member and former trustee of Amnesty International – Pilipinas, and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Law from the University of Philippines.

Great Decisions discussions usually take place in MIC's living room which seats only 25 people. After the presenter frames the issue, there is ample time for discussion and networking with other attendees.