Shahani was one of the group’s founders. “In the latter years of her life, (Shahani’s) advocacy (of) an independent foreign policy led her to be a convenor of P1nas,” said Colmenares, a fellow P1nas convenor. ADVERTISEMENTThe former congressman recalled how Shahani, along with other former legislators and civil society leaders, joined public opposition to China’s incursions into the West Philippine Sea, as well as the United States’ increasing military presence in the country. “We share her strong position that Philippine interest should not be held hostage to the imperialist designs of either China or the United States,” Colmenares said. The former congressman described as “valuable” Shahani’s input “especially at this time of confusion” on the Duterte administration’s foreign policy direction.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer March 22, 2017 21:33 UTC