WASHINGTON, D.C. (via PLDT)—American mainstream media, both in print and broadcast, today carried in their main headlines and prime newscasts the historic meeting at the White House Monday (Tuesday in Manila) between US President George Bush and visiting President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

In their news stories, the two major Washington newspapers, the Washington Post and the Washington Times, as well as the wire organizations and news channels, described the President as a staunch supporter of the United States in the fight against terrorism.

In their early morning newscasts, the three major television networks, the CNN, NBC, and ABC, also carried the highlights of the meeting between Bush and the visiting Philippine president.

Yesterday, the President was interviewed live by CNN’s Daljit Dhaliwal at her suite at the Blair House. Another interview with CNN, this time with veteran broadcast journalist Wolf Blitzer, is scheduled for today, also at the Blair House.

The conservative Washington Times, carried on page 1 a three-column photo of the President trooping the line with President Bush at the formal arrival ceremonies at the South Lawn of the White House.

The caption of the photo says that President Bush called President Macapagal-Arroyo as his "strong ally in the war on terror" and pledged to deploy more US troops to help fight the Muslim rebels in Mindanao, referring to the Abu Sayyaf.

The Times devoted the whole of its page A-10 to the meeting between the two presidents at the White House and the state dinner later in the evening.

Three more photos of the event, including an enlarged 5-column photo of smiling but aging World War II veterans welcoming the President when she arrived at the White House, was published on page A-10.

Another photo of the President and First Gentleman, Atty. Jose Miguel Arroyo, being escorted by President Bush and American First Lady Laura Bush for the state dinner, accompanied the sidebar to the main story, entitled "Bush Will Send More Troops to Fight Philippine Rebels."

The sidebar, devoted mainly to the state dinner, quoted President Bush as describing the Philippine president, when he offered a toast, as "’‘fierce fighter of terrorism in the Philippines."

The main Times story was devoted to the highlights of the meeting between the two leaders that included the continuing commitment of the US to the Philippines in its war against local terrorists and in uplifting the lives of the Filipino Muslims affected by the conflict.

The sidebar, written by Times staff writer Sharon Behn, carried a light touch which says that aides rushed to place a small foot stool "for the diminutive Philippine president to stand on behind the lectern set up in the dining room."

The sidebar also said that the state dinner, which was only the third held since Mr. Bush took office "had a quiet tone, with a guest list free of the glitterati that adorned such evenings at the White House during Bill Clinton’s two terms."

The more liberal Washington Post had a Page 1 teaser on the President’s visit, entitled "U.S.-Philippines Anti-Terror Accord," saying that the US had promised the Philippines aid in fighting Muslim rebels under an expanded anti-terrorism effort."

The main Post story on Page 2 entitled. "U.S. Offers Increase in Philippine Terror Aid," was accompanied by a three-column photo showing President Bush introducing President Macapagal-Arroyo to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and Gen. Richard Meyers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The photo also showed Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Ople and Executive Secretary Alberto Romulo at the background.

In its main story, the Post said that the two leaders have pledged to expand collaboration in their campaign against terrorism with the White House promising more than $95 million in military aid and new deployment of US forces to help defeat Muslim rebel groups in the Philippines.

Later in the joint press briefing, President Bush has clarified that the US plan to send troops to the Philippines in the fight against terrorism would be subject to the constitutional requirements of the Philippines.

The Post, known for its analytical pieces on international events, said that "while the Pentagon is not necessarily interested in moving back into Subic Bay, one of the world’s great deep-water ports, it is interested in negotiating agreements that could give US warships or aircraft access to that or other facilities in the event of a conflict in the region.

In its world section, the USA Today carried a brief item, also with an anti-terrorism bias. The item, entitled "US, Philippines Agree to Fight Islamic Rebel Group," says that the two leaders have agreed to send an unspecified number of US troops to support operations against the Abu Sayyaf rebels in the Southern Philippines.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (via PLDT)—Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Ople today said the designation by President Bush of the Philippines as a major non-NATO ally would strengthen the Philippine government’s drive against terrorist cells operating in southern Philippines.

Ople said that this designation was an indication of the strong support of President Bush for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the Philippine government.

NATO refers to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a military alliance composed of the US and major European countries.

Ople said that countries granted major non-NATO status are limited to those with a close and strategic working relationship with the US defense forces.

Ople, who is part of the official delegation of the President, also said that during their meetings and subsequent media briefings, President Bush was effusive in his praise for President Macapagal-Arroyo for her "decisive and efficient leadership."

He noted that as an indication of their immediate rapport, President Bush did hot hesitate to accept the invitation extended by President Macapagal-Arroyo for him to visit the Philippines in October this year.

In a joint press briefing at the White House yesterday, President Bush said he was honored to accept the generous invitation of President Macapagal-Arroyo to visit the Philippines this fall when he intends to travel to Southeast Asia for the leaders’ meeting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

Ople described the discussions between the two leaders as candid and cordial, with the US government, through President Bush, firmly committed to help the Philippine government in getting rid of the Abu Sayyaf.

In a joint press conference at the White House Monday (Tuesday in Manila), President Bush announced the inclusion of the Philippines in the MNNA category that includes Australia, Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Argentina, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea.

"The designation is symbolic of the high level of trust and friendship between the two countries and its leaders. It also boosts the relentless efforts of our military to fight terrorist in southern Philippines since it means the Philippines is now eligible for priority delivery of excess defense articles," Ople said.

Under Section 516 of the Foreign Assistance Act of l961, as amended, the US government has the authority to transfer surplus military equipment to foreign security forces.

Such defense articles, Ople said, could range from rations and uniforms to used vehicles, cargo aircraft and ships.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Via PLDT) -- The United States government has allocated $32.81 million to help the Philippine government in its program of reintegration to society of some 25,000 former combatants of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the grant was signed Tuesday afternoon (Wednesday morning in Manila) at the Blair House by Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Ople and Acting Administrator Frederick Schieck of the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who is winding up her state visit here, and US Ambassador to Manila Francis Ricciardone, Jr. witnessed the signing.

Ople said the amount formed part of the $72-million program the USAID has earmarked to help conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

He said the agreement is focused on direct humanitarian assistance to some 4,000 former MNLF combatants to enable them to lead productive lives and contribute to the government’s quest for enduring peace in Mindanao.

According to Ople, the USAID also intends to provide the former MNLF fighters all inputs needed to start commercial production of corn, rice or seaweed, as well as post-harvest facilities in the communities.

Ople said that the USAID also intends to provide another $5 million, in addition to the $6 million it earlier provided, to help 500 communities in conflict-areas to build small infrastructure facilities such as water systems, bridges, and farm-to-market roads costing between $5,000 and $25,000 each.

The foreign secretary also stressed that a similar arrangement awaits members of the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) who would pursue the path to peace and abandon their armed struggle.

In a joint press conference Monday at the White House with President Macapagal-Arroyo, US President George W. Bush said he and President Macapagal-Arroyo have reviewed the developments concerning the MILF and they agreed that the MILF must abandon the path to violence.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (via PLDT) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo witnessed the signing Tuesday afternoon (Wednesday morning in Manila) of several government to government agreements on areas of mutual concerns ranging from US assistance for the reintegration of former Muslim Filipino guerillas, to narcotics control and agricultural modernization.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Ople and his counterpart, US Secretary of State Colin Powell, signed two agreements for their respective governments. The signing ceremony was held at the Blair House where the President is staying during his state visit here.

One of the agreements signed by Ople and Powell was on cooperation in science and technology that would enable scientists of both countries to embark on joint education and research.

The other accord signed by Ople and Powell was a Letter of Intent on Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement that sets aside $1.0l million to enhance policing and supervisory skills of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies while supporting the institutional development of the Philippine criminal justice system.

US Ambassador to Manila Francis Ricciardone also witnessed the signing of the agreements.

The President and Ricciardone also witnessed the signing of other agreements that included the following:

WASHINGTON, D.C. (via PLDT) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo winds up her highly successful three-day state visit here Tuesday night (Wednesday morning in Manila) after a historic meeting with US President George W. Bush and other top US officials.

Before her departure, the President witnessed the signing of a number of government- to-government agreements worth millions of dollars in grants and loans aimed at speeding up the development of conflict areas in Mindanao, promoting food security, and setting a framework of cooperation in such areas as science and technology, narcotics control, and financing rural electric cooperatives and other irrigation projects.

Before the signing of the memorandums of agreement (MOUs), the President also received at her suite at the Blair House top-ranking officials from the public and private sector.

Among her callers were Senators Daniel Inouye and Ted Stevens; Jeffrey Alan Goldstein, managing director of the World Bank; Assad Joseph Jabre, vice president for operations of the International Finance Corporation; and Horst Kohler, managing director of the International Monetary Fund.

The President also had a coffee meeting with Senator Richard Lugar at the Capitol Building.

Senate President Franklin Drilon and Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr. were also present during the President’s meeting with Lugar and Senators Inouye and Stevens.

The President was also interviewed live by CNN’s "Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer."

WASHINGTON D.C. (via PLDT) -- World Bank officials Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) assured President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo that it would continue supporting the Philippine government's development agenda, specifically its efforts to reduce poverty and improve governance.

The President met Shengwan Zhang, vice president for policies and program of the World Bank, and Peter Voicke, head and managing director of International Financial Corporation as well as Horst Kohler, managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is headquartered in Washington, D.C. It shares the primary objective of all World Bank institutions to improve the quality of life of people in developing member countries.

During the meeting, an agreement was reached for the signing of two loans amounting to $33.6 million and $50 million for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Social Fund and the Agrarian Reform Community Development Project II (ARCDP II) respectively.

Both loans are targeted for the poor members of society, providing them with social and community services and access to facilities to meet their basic needs.

The ARMM Social Fund addresses the needs of residents in ARMM to enhance the development of the region and upgrade the living standards of the people in the area.

The ARCDP II will continue the earlier support under the ARCD I to the government's Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), primarily by providing community development and capacity building of about 80 additional agrarian reform communities representing approximately 70,000 farming households.

The Philippines has also requested the World Bank to assist in the Judicial Reform Program of the Philippines.

The World Bank and other donor agencies such as the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Japan and Canada are providing assistance to the Philippine government in its judicial reform efforts.

In order to strengthen the judiciary, the Philippines is currently negotiating a loan in the amount of $22 million with the World Bank.

Another loan which is under advanced technical discussion with the World Bank is the Rural Power Project.

Rural electrification is a flagship program of the Department of Energy (DOE) which aims to improve the quality of life in rural areas through the provision of adequate, affordable and reliable energy services in partnership with the private sector.

The proposed loan of $10 million, together with a grant from the Global Environment Facility of another $10 million, will be a major contributor to achieving 100 percent barangay electrification by 2006 and 90 percent household electrification by 2017.

The World Bank and the Philippine government have just concluded the country programming exercise covering the World Bank's fiscal years (July-June) 2004 and 2005.

For fiscal year 2004, project and program loans amounting to $290 million have been programmed for judicial reform, rural power, health, environment, urban slum upgrading and land titling and management, while a public finance strengthening program loan will be considered in the fiscal year.

For fiscal year 2005, projects and program loans amounting to $360 million are tentatively scheduled for discussion.

Two groundbreaking program loans, namely the Public Finance Strenghtening in the amount of $200 million and the Public Sector Reform program in the amount of $150 million, are in the process of being discussed.

These two program loans will lay the framework for the much-needed reform program in the public sector.

It is to be noted the World Bank portfolio performance has dramatically improved in the last two years from a disbursement ratio of 12 percent in fiscal year 2001 to a projected level of 22 percent in end of fiscal year 2003.

According to the World Bank, this virtual doubling in the disbursement ratio achieved by the government counterpart agencies of World Bank-financed projects implies a decline in the average project implementation period from eight years to 4.5 years, translating to faster delivery of services to project beneficiaries, primarily the poor.

Moreover, the World Bank recently provided non-lending assistance to help offset the negative impact of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) threat on the ongoing business of government, through the use of the videoconferencing facilities available at the Global Distance Learning Center at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM).

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Via PLDT) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Tuesday (Wednesday in Maniia) defended the decision of the United States to work for the inclusion of the Philippines as a major non-NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) ally, saying the US can help wipe out terrorism back home as it wipes out terrorism within its own borders.

In her speech before the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) Roundtable meeting of the US-Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Business Council at the Park Hyatt Hotel, the President said leading a nation means making tough choices.

"Some loud voices denounce a closer alliance with the US but let my state visit here send a message to those who peddle in the false currency of terror: The US can help us wipe out terrorism at home as it wipes out terrorism within its own borders," the President said.

She noted that international alliances keep our region safer and provide economic stability and growth. "In turn, we can provide an island of friendship, stability and security in an uncertain world," she said.

The President noted that the last time she was in Washington was just one month after the horrific events of September 11.

She said at this time, the US is again on heightened alert. (The US Department of Homeland Security placed parts of the country on orange alert Tuesday. Code Orange is the second highest level of alert and signifies a high risk of terrorist attack).

The President noted the state of heightened alert demonstrates that the new global environment requires a new perspective on political and economic security.

"That perspective must be based on a recognition that while each nation or region must take greater responsibility for its own political and economic security, it must also recognize that strong international relations will contribute greatly to regional prosperity and stability as well as greater success in addressing terrorism, the most significant threat to world peace and stability," she said.

The President said "we must find a way to support continued engagement of Asean with the US at a time when there are forces working against this relationship, and when there are those with an evil agenda to disrupt it."

Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo said that as she ends her state visit with profound thanks to President Bush and the American people, she would like to say that "we shall work side by side with the US to overcome the terrorism that knows no boundaries and transform fear into peace, progress and prosperity in the world."

President Bush announced the decision of his government to work for the inclusion of the Philippines as a major non-NATO ally during their joint press conference following a one-on-one meeting with Macapagal-Arroyo at the Oval Office.

The major non-NATO status places the Philippines up there with other countries like Australia, Egypt, Japan, Bahrain, Jordan, Argentina and New Zealand for required military assistance.

WASHINGTON, DC – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) that the Philippines must remain alert against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) even as the World Health Organization declared the country free from the dreaded disease.

The President announced to members of the Philippine media during a panel discussion at the Blair House that the WHO has removed the Philippines from its list of areas with recent local transmission of the deadly SARS virus.

WHO stressed in its announcement that it never advised that travel to the Philippines be restricted.

WHO also noted "the efficient surveillance and reporting system in the Philippines, which reflects strong political commitment and a high level of awareness among health staff."

At the height of the SARS scare in the country, the President advised the people to remain calm but fully alert and to religiously observe health and sanitation measures.

"The delisting is very important to us," said Consorcia Quizon-Lim, head of the Department of Health’s National Epidemiology Center, in an interview in Manila.

She said it would prompt countries that have banned Filipino workers due to the SARS scourge to lift the ban.

She also said countries that have issued travel advisories against the Philippines over SARS now have no reason to bar their citizens from visiting the Philippines.

Philippine health officials said the removal of the Philippines from the WHO list of countries affected by SARS is testimony to the success of the government’s efforts to prevent the spread of the killer virus.

The delisting of the Philippines from the WHO list of SARS-infected countries came 20 days after the country had no SARS case.

The WHO requires that there be no SARS infection in an area for 20 consecutive days before it removes that country from its list. Tuesday marked the 20th day the Philippines has had no new reported case of local transmission.

The last probable SARS case in the Philippines that was locally acquired was isolated on April 30, the WHO said in its SARS website, "meaning that opportunities for spread of the virus to others were significantly reduced."

WASHINGTON, DC (Via PLDT) – The United States-Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Business Council Tuesday night (Wednesday in Manila) lauded the economic policies and programs of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

During the round-table discussion of the council at the Park Hyatt Hotel here, the businessmen conveyed their full trust in the present administration in making sure of the dividends in doing business in the Philippines.

Ernest Bower, president of the council, said "absolutely, the economy of the Philippines is on track."

"It's doing well. It (the Philippines) is an excellent place for American economists to go and do business," he said.

"We appreciate the direction of the steady aim that the President and her Cabinet are taking toward economic reforms and stability in the Philippines," Bower added.

Finance Secretary Jose Isidro Camacho, who accompanied the President during the round-table discussion, said the comments made by Bower is "a collective appreciation for the support that they have gotten from the administration of President Arroyo."

In her remarks at the discussion, the President thanked the council anew for its hard work on behalf of the Philippines "and for sticking with us through thick and thin."

"I am endeavoring to return your loyalty and dedication by working to build a strong Philippines, to strengthen our institutions so that we can all prosper," she said.

The President said that aside from security and foreign policy, she is focusing on international business and economy during her state visit here.

She said not only is she responsible for a nation of 80-million people. "I am also the CEO of a global Philippine enterprise of 8 million Filipinos who live and work abroad and generate billions of dollars a year in revenue," she said.

The President emphasized that the great comparative advantage of the Philippines is the rich human resources which are highly-skilled, well-educated and English-speaking.

"This includes the millions of Filipinos working in over 140 countries of the world and for the millions more employed in the Philippines in business process outsourcing, manufacturing and other service industries," she added.

The President said her administration is addressing the legacies of the past.

"We've moved forward on Bureau of Internal Revenue reform. Revenues are up. That is why, despite last year's large fiscal deficit, this year our deficit is smaller than expected because our revenues are higher than targeted. We're continuing privatization and liberalization of the power sector," she said.

The government, the President added, now has a strong anti-money laundering legislation to stop terrorists and government fraud.

Also, there is now a law empowering special purpose asset vehicles to direct greater liquidity into the banking system and provide relief for debt-burdened banks.

"And it is not just legislation, but real money that must be invested if we are to get a good return for the nation in the years ahead," she added.

The Chief Executive likewise noted the new investments in infrastructure to help move people and goods and enhance the quality of life through expressways, fast railroads from Manila to Clark-Subic and Calabarzon and Batangas Port as well as roll-on, roll-off ferries around the nation.

The President further said that there are new investments in small and medium enterprises.

WASHINGTON, DC – The scene was like a reunion of old friends as President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo met with United States Sen. Richard Lugar at the Senate foreign relations committee room at the Capitol Hill Building.

Lugar wore a big smile as he emerged from a one-hour meeting with visiting President Macapagal-Arroyo.

He described the relations between the Philippines and the US under the Macapagal-Arroyo administration as "very strong and beautiful."

Lugar said he was pleased to see Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo again, saying "she is well acquainted with all of us."

The President described Lugar as "a great and old friend of the Philippines and of Philippine democracy and it's my pleasure to be here to exchange notes with him."

Lugar was the head of the American observer team in the 1996 snap elections where former President Corazon Aquino was recognized as the legitimate winner.

He was believed to have been responsible in focusing the spotlight on the corrupt activities of ousted President Ferdinand Marcos, ultimately convincing then-President Ronald Reagan to support Mrs. Aquino.

During the meeting, the President expressed appreciation for the US Senate foreign relations committee's continued interest and support for the Philippines.

The President reiterated to Lugar that her administration affirms the enduring importance of the Philippines' alliance with the US.

She recalled how history has shown that the US and the Philippines have been on the same side in every major conflict over the years.

WASHINGTON, DC (Via PLDT) – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will be conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by the Fordham University in New York City today.

The conferment of a doctorate degree on the Filipino leader by Fordham University, one of the leading university in the United States, is one of the major scheduled activities of the President during her one-day stay in the city.

The President, together with First Gentleman Jose Miguel T. Arroyo, flew Tuesday night (Wednesday morning in Manila) from Washington to New York.

The President left Washington with some glowing press reports citing her tough stance against terrorism.

The Washington Post headlined its story on the state dinner hosted by US President George W. Bush for President Macapagal-Arroyo at the White House Monday night (Washington time) as "Dinner with Two Tough Cookies."

The Washington Post noted that President Bush, during his toast at the state dinner, said President Macapagal-Arroyo's visit affirms "our strong friendship, our common commitment to fighting terror, and our shared determination to promote freedom."

The newspaper also reported that Bush praised Arroyo as "a fierce fighter against terrorism in your own country. You've earned the respect of the American people for your resolve. And after September the 11th, you were one of the first leaders to contact me and expressed your strong support for the war against terror. And you have not wavered."

"Friends stand by each other, in times of crisis. Friends do not ask why; they ask how," the Washington Post quoted President Macapagal-Arroyo's response.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Via PLDT) -- Fifteen United States congressmen today met with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, assuring her of their full support for Philippine interests on three important issues being deliberated upon in Congress.

At the meeting held at the House ways and means committee room at the Capitol Building in Capitol Hill, the 15 congressmen said they would support the Philippines on the security and global anti-terrorist cooperation, trade expansion between the US and the Philippines, and the passage of Senate Bill 68 or the Filipino Veterans Benefits Improvement Act.

Present during the meeting were Congressmen Darrel Issa (R. California), Bobby Scott (D. Virginia), Bob Filner (D. California), Duke Cunningham (R. California), Neil Abercrombie (D. Hawaii), Todd Tiahrt (R. Kansas), Dana Rohrabacher (R. California), Dennis Cardoza (D. California), Sam Farr (D. California), Mike Honda (D. California), Joseph Pitts (R. Pennsylvania), Charlie Rangel (D. New York), Ed Schrock (R. Virginia), Diane Watson (D. California) and Roger Wicker (R. Mississippi).

The 15 were part of the 70-man Philippine Caucus composed of Democratic and Republican congressmen.

The caucus was initiated by eight members of the US House of Representatives who sent a "Dear Colleague" letter last Oct. 2002 to all the House members, enjoining them to establish the caucus.

The eight members are Issa, Filner, Cunningham, Scott, Tiahrt, Abercrombie, Rohrabacher and Lane Evans (D. Illinois).

WASHINGTON, DC -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said Tuesday (Wednesday morning in Manila) there is no reason to doubt the sincerity of the United States in treating the Philippines as a friend and major ally, saying what is important is "what will be good for the country."

In a press conference with Filipino media here, the President said that if the offer of friendship will redound to the benefit of the Filipinos and the entire Asian region, "we shouldn’t hesitate to accept the offer."

"Kaya’t yon ang isang nagustuhan ko rin. Iyong parating sinasabi ni Pangulong Bush na tutulungan tayo sa anyo na gusto kung tumulong sila sa atin. Ayon sa ating kumposisyon, sa ating interpretasyon, ayon sa ating pangangailangan (What I like in the offer is the way President Bush said that help will come in whatever form we want it -- according to our needs, according to our composition and interpretation)," she said.

Speaking in the vernacular, the President stressed that she wouldn’t like to look at the relationship as an isometric one, meaning between a powerful nation – a superpower at that – and one that is not.

"Ang importante, ang relasyon natin sa bawat bansa at sa rehiyon ay ipinaiiral natin kung ano ang ikabubuti natin (what is important is we insist what will be good for us in our relationship with each country and the region as a whole)," the President said.

Saying she did not come to the United States as a mendicant or mercenary, the President claimed all the countries in the world are now interdependent on each other, each having something to share in the name of globalization.

"Mayroon din namang papel ang Pilipinas na maitutulong sa ibang bansa at makatutulong din sa atin. At hindi lamang Amerika ang pinag-uusapan natin. Pati na ang mga kapitbansa tulad ng Malaysia and Indonesia. (The Philippines also has something to share to other nations that will help us, including such neighbors as Malaysia and Indonesia),"she said.

One of her main bargaining points in her state visit, according to the Chief Executive, is to find jobs for millions of Filipinos who have been reeling from the economic downturn.

Upon orders of the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the Department of Finance (DOF) together with the Transparency Group of the Office of the President yesterday filed criminal charges against three ranking officials of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Charged were Aguinaldo L. Miravelles, Assistant Revenue Regional director; Kamil L. Bajunaid, Assistant Revenue District Officer; and Godofredo M. San Jose, Jr., a former Revenue District Officer.

The charges were filed based on evidence gathered by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), which is conducting the lifestyle check ordered by President Arroyo.

The three BIR officials were involved in the so-called "birthday scam" by falsifying their date of birth to prolong their stay in the agency.

Presidential Chief of Staff Rigoberto D. Tiglao, who oversees the Transparency Group, said the BIR officials were also charged with perjury for misrepresenting their actual date of birth.

Tiglao said an administrative case will be filed before the Department of Foreign Affairs against Juanito M. Valdecantos, another BIR employee, for violation of passport laws.

Tiglao said that sometime in March this year, they received reliable information that some employees of the BIR were engaged in wanton falsification of their personal circumstances and credentials in their personal data sheets (PDS) in order to stay in their positions past their retirement age.

These allegations of unexplained wealth and falsification of public records by BIR officials were reported in several newspapers in the past several days.

Tiglao also announced lifestyle checks are ongoing on those who have acquired ill-gotten wealth and those involved in graft cases.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has praised the strong political commitment and efficient surveillance and reporting system in the Philippines that removed the country from the list of areas with reported local transmission of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

"The efficient surveillance and reporting system in the Philippines, which reflects strong political commitment and a high level of awareness among health staff confers an additional level of assurance that no local transmission is now occurring," a recent WHO update said.

The WHO said the SARS situation in the Philippines illustrates the scale of the emergency effort needed to respond effectively to an imported case and ensure that an outbreak is swiftly contained.

Undersecretary Antonio Lopez, officer-in-charge of the Department of Health (DOH), thanked the Office of the President for its "forceful actions" that contained the spread of SARS in the country.

"The Department of Health thanks the Office of the President for its forceful actions in the combat against SARS," Lopez said in his report to Malacanang.

The DOH has reported a total of 12 probable SARS cases to the WHO that had been promptly and extensively investigated.

Of the 12 SARS cases, five were imported. One of the imported cases, a female who carried the disease from Toronto, Canada, infected seven others in the only chain of secondary transmission that has occurred in the Philippines. She and her father were the only SARS deaths in the country.

While she traveled up to five provinces prior to her hospitalization, contact tracing by local officials identified 250 individuals who were closely followed up. Four of them developed fever and were quarantined until they were a diagnosed as SARS free.