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06 NOVEMBER 2003 |
| ABCOPOP renews pledge of support for GMA |
The Association of Brigadier Generals, Police Chief Superintendents, Commodores and Pensioners of the Philippines, Inc. (ABCOPOP) has pledged anew its support for the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, citing her "extraordinary and noble visions, outstanding competence and unquestionable honesty in handling the overall governmental affairs." In a board resolution dated October 27, 2003, the ABCOPOP, also known as the Fusiliers, expressed support for the President’s strategic and operational as well as her everyday moves, in improving the political, economics and social conditions in the country "which are all geared towards the betterment of the Filipino people today and the future." ABCOPOP chairman and president retired Police Chief Superintendent Juan Gallardo Abuan, Jr. led the signatories who have vowed to defend and preserve the chain of command in view of the current political, economic and social conditions. The group expressed disenchantment over individuals, groups and partisan politics that take advantage of the situation for advancing their personal agenda and stirring destabilization. "These artificially created, false and negative developments will certainly create additional heavy burdens on the peace and order situation whom the final deceiving victims are the defenseless and innocent majority of the people," the resolution stated. It also cited the President for "her swift, timely and decisive moves" in acting on peace and order problems, particularly against terrorism and kidnapping. |
| Statement of the President: Re Impeachment Case |
This is perhaps the most sensitive point in the whole course of the impeachment controversy. It is a time for everyone involved to take stock of conscience and duty. On one side, the Supreme Court is doing this by patiently consulting a panel of legal luminaries and amici curiae, and I would like to thank all our patriotic and well-meaning legal minds who are contributing their best to shed light on the issues. On another side, the House of Representatives is engaged in an earnest bid at consensus building. On my side, I have proposed a solution to the impasse in the form of a covenant. I am confident that these separate institutional acts will have a point of convergence, although I do not expect instant results. I realize that the process of legal introspection in the Supreme Court and consensus building in the House are indispensable events that will hopefully contribute to a principled and commonly accepted solution. This could lead to a point of catharsis and consolidation for our nation and we should build our unity behind the Constitution and the national interest. The best of our leaders are trying to find a solution and let us hold our peace and not allow our emotions to override the rule of law. If things turn out right, this could be a shining moment for Philippine democracy that will lead us to a higher plane of political stability. |
| Statement of the President: Re Comelec |
I urge the COMELEC to look into this issue with a high sense of urgency and resoluteness, and set things aright if anomalies were committed. The country has had enough of election fraud and I have resolved to work for clean, honest and orderly elections. The free and untrammeled expression of the voice of the people in the ballot is the basic foundation of our democratic system and we aim to guarantee this in next year’s polls. |
| Statement of the President: Re Peso Slide |
Our institutions have been shaken by untoward events since July this year but confidence has held up in the face of the overall stability and viability of our democratic system. We must continue to build on this by unity and reconciliation, resilience and faith in ourselves. While we cannot forestall all imaginable political crises, what I can say is that we are diminishing the potential of violence that is attached to these. This should give enough confidence to the business sector that we are crossing the road to permanent stability. Positive gains in security and development bear this out and I am confident that these gains, combined with good governance, will continue to maintain macroeconomic stability. |
| Statement of Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye |
It is unfortunate that while our institutions are trying to resolve a vital Constitutional issue and while the President is doing her best to hold a consistent line in serving the public interest, some rabble rousers in the opposition insist on throwing dirt into the political arena. The Pidal issue is a lost cause because it is not supported by an iota of evidence. The President is not campaigning but has intensified her usual schedule of provincial and urban sorties to tackle important mass level issues. Painting dirt on public service is scraping the bottom. It is a desperate act by discredited political leaders. |
| GMA: 'let's hold our peace and emotions' as Davide impeach bid reaches 'most sensitive point' |
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said today that as "the most sensitive point" is reached in the controversial Davide impeachment bid, "let us hold our peace and not allow our emotions to override the rule of law." President Macapagal-Arroyo assured the people, in a press statement, that "the best of our leaders are trying to find a solution" to the impasse caused by the filing of an impeachment complaint in the House of Representatives against Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr. "If things turn out right," she said, "this could be a shining moment for Philippine democracy that will lead us to a higher plane of political stability." As the congressional recess ends on Monday (November 10), the President noted that there is now a process of legal introspection in the Supreme Court and consensus building in the House. She herself has proposed a covenant for resolving the issues. She expressed hope that these "indispensable events" will lead to "a principled and commonly accepted solution." "This could lead to a point of catharsis and consolidation for our nation and we should build our unity behind the Constitution and the national interest. When Congress resumes its session on Monday, anti-Davide members of the House are pressing for elevating their complaint against the Chief Justice for alleged irregular use of the Judicial Development Fund (JDF), to the Senate so that the impeachment trial could proceed. In a radio interview, Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said that it is House Speaker Jose de Venacia’s role, under the covenant presented by the President in her effort to break the impeachment impasse, to talk and convince the congressmen, who have signed the impeachment complaint, to withdraw their signatures. The Speaker has formed a seven-man committee for that purpose. Bunye said that if the pro-impeachment congressmen want to know the truth about the JDF disbursements, there is an alternative mechanism that does not require the filing of an impeachment complaint. He said that there is the Commission on Audit (COA), which has the constitutional authority to examine the books of accounts of the Supreme Court. The COA can be of help to the House committee on justice, if given the task of probing the JDF expenditure, he said. "Kung hindi natin papairalin ‘yong pride at talagang titingnan lang natin ‘yong paghahanap sa katotohanan ay palagay ko ito ang magandang solusyon (If we don’t let pride rule us and we just want to know the truth, I think this is the nice solution)." Bunye said. |
| Albay residents thank GMA for gov't assistance to them |
LEGAZPI CITY - Thousands of residents in the municipalities of Albay yesterday sincerely thanked President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for her continued support and unwavering commitment to help them realize their long-time dreams. In a simple ceremony late Wednesday afternoon at the jampacked Albay Astrodome here, the President gave her early Christmas gifts to the residents of this province by distributing certificates of entitlements for lot allocations (CELAs), financial assistance, and assorted medicines. "Sa buong kasaysayan ng Pilipinas at sa buong kasaysayan ng Bicol ito ang pinakamaraming napagbigyan ng certificates ng lot entitlements at pinakamaraming nag-graduate ng mga kababayang Bicolano mula sa pagiging iskwater sa sarili nilang lupa (In the entire history of the Philippines and in the entire history of Bicol, this is the first time that the most number of certificates of lot entitlements have been awarded and the most number of Filipinos have graduated as squatters)," the President said in her opening remarks at the gathering.During the occasion, the President also launched the "Kalsada Natin, Alagaan Natin," a program that would encourage barangays to protect and maintain national and provincial roads. At least 157 CELAs were given by the President to beneficiaries on Barangay Bagumbayan in Daraga and another 500 CELAs to the residents in the lot properties of Philippine National Railways in the seven barangays in Albay province especially from Legazpi City. The President also distributed CELAs to lucky resident beneficiaries in the municipalities of Manlilipot, Sto. Domingo, Camalig, Bacacay and Tabaco City. The President also gave a P236,000 check for the construction of a fish cage at Barangay Bangkerohan in Legazpi City; P135,000 to Governor Al Francis Bichara for the procurement of one multi-cab for the research and development activities of the province; and P100,000 for the construction of water system in Barangay Buhatan, Sto. Domingo. She also handed over four separate checks worth P200,000 for the Livelihood Development Program of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and another check of P120,000 to Bonifacio Veran, a beneficiary of OWWA insurance program. The President distributed five sets of Nebulizer kits for asthma patients in the towns of Bacacay, Malinao, Irosin, and Pilar.Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal also received five cases of assorted medicines from the President and another three cases of assorted medicines were given to Virac and Pandan town in Catanduanes. Chairman Michael Defensor of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and Governor Bichara assisted the President in the awarding of CELAs and distribution of checks and medicines. |
| GMA confers order of Sikatuna on outgoing Chilean envoy |
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today bestowed on outgoing Chilean Ambassador Carmen Lynam-Mannakee the Order of Sikatuna, with the rank of Datu. The President made the conferment during the ambassador’s farewell call in Malacanang this afternoon. In the citation, which Presidential Chief of Protocol Cecile Rebong read during simple ceremonies at the Music Room, the President noted the envoy’s outstanding service in the field of international relations and "for having been a worthy and competent representative of Chile in the Philippines." The ambassador is also noted for her noteworthy contribution in further strengthening of the friendly and cordial relations between the Philippines and Chile. The ambassador was also cited for her for actively encouraging government-to-government contacts through the exchange of visits by officials of both countries, including frequent and productive bilateral consultations among officials of both foreign ministries. Specifically, Ms. Lynam-Mannakee is noted for her significant contributions toward the forging of closer relations through the conclusion of negotiations and signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Agriculture and Related Fields and Promotion of Agricultural Trade and the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation and Socialized Housing. |
| Lao chief justice vows to help strengthen RP-Laotian relations |
Laos Supreme Court Justice Khammy Sayayong today vowed to help in efforts in strengthening bilateral relations between the Philippines and the Lao Republic. Sayayong made the commitment during his courtesy call on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Malacaņang this afternoon. During the meeting at the Music Room, the President and Sayayong noted the importance of forging stronger bilateral relations between the two countries. Sayayong is in the country to observe how Philippine courts operate. He is to hold discussions with Filipino legal and judicial experts, including Philippine Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr., justices of the Court of Appeals, judges of the regional trial courts and officials of other government agencies. During a light moment, Sayayong noted the similar physical features between Filipinos and Laotians. The President, on the other hand, complimented the Lao Chief Justice’s "very suitable" pina barong shirt. During the call, the President instructed Philippine Ambassador to Laos Antonio L. Cabangon-Chua, who was also present at the meeting, to actively promote export of Philippine-made products, including jeepneys, to Laos. The President also ordered Cabangon-Chua to look into possible importation of rice and timber from Laos. In a report to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Cabangon-Chua noted the need of Laos to improve its judicial system to facilitate the inflow of foreign investments into that country. Sayayong was accompanied at the courtesy call by Lao Republic’s Ambassador to Manila Phiane Philakone. Among those who attended the meeting included recent Laos visitor Juan P. Dayang, chairman of the Publishers Association of the Philipines, Inc. (PAPI) and publisher of Philippine Leader. |
| Motorola to expand operations in RP, GMA told |
The Motorola Communications Philippines, Inc. will expand its operations in the Philippines, particularly its handset business, according to Scott Durchslag, general manager for Personal Communications Sector of Motorola’s Handset Business in Southeast Asia. Durchslag, who called on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo this afternoon, said that Motorola will further expand its operations in the Philippines because of the huge business potential of the country. "We have received reports that texting is very much part of the Filipino youths’ culture and that 75 percent of the Philippines’ population is less than 25 years old," Durchslag told the President. Durchslag said, "Motorola is coming up with a youth-oriented marketing campaign for the Philippines." "We want to bring communications to the masses. Motorola has developed cheaper phones that could be marketed for as low as P2,000," Durchslag said. President Macapagal-Arroyo welcomed Motorola’s plan to expand its business operations in the Philippines and said that Motorola would benefit from hiring Filipinos since they are known as among the best in information technology. "Filipinos are the most knowledgeable workers in the world when it comes to information technology," the President said. Durchslag, who will be based at Motorola’s Southeast Asia headquarters in Singapore, will lead operations in the region. "I have high respect for the markets and the people of South Asia and am truly delighted to be back in Asia in my new role as general manager of Motorola’s biggest business," Durchslag said. Durchslag showed to newsmen several of Motorola’s newest handheld phones available in the market, including the E365, which has an integrated camera and an advanced polyphonic speaker. Motorola, Inc. is a global leader in wireless, automotive and broadband communications. Sales in 2002 reached $27.3 billion. According to its corporate handout, Motorola is a global "corporate citizen" that is dedicated to ethical business practices and pioneering important innovations that "make things smarter and life better." |
| Jerry Yan makes sick children happy during a brief call on GMA in Malacaņang |
Cancer-stricken and other ailing and orphaned children currently being helped and supported by First Gentleman Atty. Jose Miguel Arroyo had their wishes to see Taiwanese superstar Jerry Yan in person come true in Malacaņang today. Popularly known as Dao Ming Si in the hit telenovela "Meteor Garden," Yan paid a courtesy call on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the First Gentleman. It was also an occasion for the well-liked actor to meet and shake hands with the children not only from the various charitable institutions but also those from members of the official family of the President. The first grand-daughter of the President, Michaela, as well as officials and employees of the Office of the President and the Office of the Press Secretary, were at the Palace to see the popular Taiwanese actor. Ms. Gina de Venecia, wife of Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr., was also in Malacaņang just to meet Jerry Yan. She told Yan that the President and the First Gentleman are his fans and they watch "Meteor Garden" when occasion permits. "Some of the cancer patients’ last wish is to meet Yan," the President informed the actor. Yan, who was accompanied to Malacaņang by Bench’s Ben Chan, will be in Manila only for two days. Yan is the latest star endorser of Bench. He informed the President, through an interpreter, that he will be back on November 29, this year, for a concert at the Fort, along with some members of the Meteor Garden TV series. The President, during a photo session with the children at the Main Living Room of the Malacaņang Palace, likewise distributed free tickets to the concert of Jerry Yan at the Fort. The children who met with the President and Jerry Yan include orphans from Damas, Caritas, Silong Tanglaw, including Mary Joy, who has two-artificial legs donated by the First Gentleman. Paulyn May Ramos, who had a fracture after she was hit by a falling suicide victim at Isetan last year, was also on hand to meet Jerry Yan. Also present to meet Jerry Yan were cancer patients from the Center for Health Improvement and Life Development (CHILD), a project of Ricky Reyes. |
| GMA cites programmed multi-billion peso projects for the Bicol region |
LEGAZPI CITY – Bicolanos have a lot to look forward to under the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. For Albay alone, P10 billion has been programmed for two big power projects that should enhance the quality of life in the province, the President told local officials in a brief question and answer session late Wednesday afternoon here at the end of her hectic, whirlwind swing through the Bicol region. The President cited the rehabilitation of the Tiwi Geothermal Power Plant, which will cost P2.6 billion. The other project is the Pacman Power Plant, a joint venture among the Philippine National Oil Corporation, the government and the U.S. Export-Import Bank. This requires P6.9 billion, according to the President. Besides these two projects, the President also mentioned the rehabilitation of the railroad track from Manila to the Bicol Region, which has been done at a cost of P3.5 billion. Getting new trains to complete the total rehabilitation will cost another P3.5 billion, the President said. The President also mentioned the small water supply agriculture modernization project that was completed at a cost of P103 million. These are only for Albay, the President emphasized. Other projects are in the making for Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Masbate and Sorsogon in a total effort to uplift the lives of people in the region, the President said. For Camarines Norte, the President mentioned the project for environmental and economic sustainability in Talisay at a cost of P170 million. |
| GMA opens 'Madayaw sa Dabaw' festival in Intramuros |
Citing Davao as one of the favorite destinations of tourists, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo formally opened today the "Madayaw sa Dabaw," a festival showcasing the various rites in Southern Mindanao at the Visit Philippines 2003 clamshell in Intramuros. Dressed in a colorful Mandaya blouse of the famous ethnic tribe of Davao, the President congratulated Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon and local officials of the Davao provinces for bringing the best of the Davao Regions to Manila, to give local and foreign tourists a chance to see a sampling of the Filipinos’ diverse culture. "Let’s use tourism as a great source of continuing stability and progress," intoned the President in her 10-minute speech before a motley crowd that included ethnic tribes in their colorful costumes. Aside from Gordon, the Chief Executive was also welcomed and joined in the stage by Panubo City Mayor Ray Gavina, Davao Oriental Governor Maria Elena Palma-Gil, Mayor Roger Antalan of the Island Garden City of Samal, and Tagum City Mayor Gelacio Gementiza, among others. The President said Davao’s tourism potential is expected to be boosted by the inauguration of the new Davao International Airport next month. In her speech, she also reiterated the importance of "holding our peace and not allow our emotions to override the rule of law" in the controversial Davide impeachment move against Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr. She assured the people that the best of the country’s leaders are trying to find a solution to the impasse. "If things turn out right, this could be a shining moment for Philippine democracy that will lead us to a higher plane of political stability," the President said. She added that "This could lead to a point of catharsis and consolidation for our nation and we should build our unity behind the Constitution and the national interest." After her speech, the President toured the various exhibits and festivities at the venue and broke protocol by shaking hands with the guests, exhibitors and tribal dancers. The DOT Region XI has allocated P4.7 million for the event to be able to set up the region’s best exhibits, cultural markets, cultural performances, street festivals, cultural parades, live band performances, craft demonstration and garden shows during the two-week activity. |
