The Philippine economy remains strong and resilient in spite of the controversy triggered by the attempt to impeach Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr., in the House of Representatives, Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye, Jr. said today.

In an interview with Radyo ng Bayan, Bunye said that the economy has quickly bounced back from the impact of the Oakwood military mutiny of July 27, 2003, while the favorable economic fundamentals have not changed

"The Philippines is recognized as one of the most stable economies in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region," he said, adding that the Motorola Communications Philippines, Inc., plans further expansion of its business in the country.

Scott Durchslag, general manager for Personal Communications Sector of Motorola’s Handset Business in Southeast Asia, informed President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during his courtesy call on her at Malacaņang Thursday that Motorola will invest more in the Philippines, because of "the huge business potential of the country."

Bunye said that country has good economic program in spite of the "negative press."

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has declared December 1-7 as National Press Congress Week and December 1-31 as the Month of Publishers, Editors, Writers, Community Journalists and Broadcasters in the Service of the Nation, Malacaņang announced today.

Proclamation No. 496, signed Tuesday (November 4, 2003) by Executive Secretary Alberto Romulo by authority of the President, seeks to focus public attention on the role of the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) in upholding press freedom and the dignity of journalism and publishing profession.

The PAPI is a professional organization dedicated to the promotion and defense of press freedom and to the lofty ideals of journalism as a public service, especially in the countryside.

Malacaņang today clarified that popular Taiwanese actor-singer Jerry Yan, a.k.a. Dao Ming Xi, did not walk out from a photo session with avid fans, composed mostly of children and employees of the Office of the President and the Office of the Press Secretary, after his call Thursday on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and First Gentleman Atty. Jose Miguel Arroyo.

In an interview with the Radyo ng Bayan this morning, Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said that the amiable actor was just ushered to a room near the Ceremonial Hall of the Palace for a break while Malacaņang Protocol officers were appeasing shrieking fans who want to have their pictures taken with Yan ahead of the others.

Bunye, who was present during the courtesy call, said that Yan gladly returned to the Ceremonial Hall for another photo session after the children and the employees and members of the press were assembled properly.

He said that during his brief call on the President, Yan was able to give cheers and happiness to orphans from Asilo, Silong Hagdan and Caritas.

Cancer patients under the care of the Center for Health Improvement and Life Development (CHILD) and the Cancer Institute of the Philippine General Hospital had their wishes come true, as they were not only able to see Yan in person but also had their picture taken with the actor, popularly known as Dao Ming Xi in the hit television series "Meteor garden."

The Commission on Audit (COA) should be "more aggressive" in disseminating information on its investigation of the Judicial Development Fund (JDF) disbursement, which has sparked the controversial impeachment move against Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr., Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said today.

Bunye said, in a radio interview, that the COA report on how the JDF has been spent under Chief Justice Davide’s watch, is the "key" to resolving the impasse caused by the impeachment attempt in the House of Representatives.

"Palagay ko po sa ganitong pagkakataon, they should be more aggressive in their information dahil wala naman pong dapat itago. (I feel that they (COA) should be more aggressive in their information (dissemination) because there is nothing to hide," he said.

"Ito pong report nila ay palagay ko po ito ang susi para talagang maintindihan hindi lamang po nang nagsusulong ng impeachment complaint kundi pati na ng ating mga kababayan (kung) ano talaga ang tunay na status ng JDF (I think that the COA report is the key to understanding not only of the pro-impeachment congressmen but also of the nation on the actual status of the JDF)," he added.

Bunye also said that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is amenable to any proposed amendment to her draft covenant for resolving the Davide impeachment row.

The President, he said, does not expect immediate result. She has offered the draft covenant as a suggestion for solving the issue to avert a constitutional crisis.

TAGAYTAY CITY—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today called for national unity even as she sternly warned those who would take advantage of the present controversy between the Supreme Court and Congress that they will be dealt with the full force of the law.

"Once more, I call for national unity as I warn all attempts to undermine the Republic through unlawful plots. If anyone turns this controversy into an illegitimate bid for political power, let them be forewarned: we will pre-empt criminal conspiracies with the full force of the law," the President said during the 29^th Top-Level Management Conference of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) held this morning at the Taal Vista Hotel here.

The President said the two other pillars of the Republic, aside from the presidency, are now engaged in self-strengthening measures -- through introspection on the part of the Supreme Court, and consensus building on the part of Congress.

She called on the public to support these processes "as they are being carried out."

"This is a test of democracy as well as how deeply we understand democracy. Of course we cannot shut out the issues that are causing anxiety or giving undue alarm but we can focus our will as a people on unity rather than division, on resilience rather than defeat, on the triumph of peaceful freedom over irrational strife," the President said.

The President also appealed to the media not to allow themselves to be used, wittingly or unwittingly, as pawns in political games or worst, in the destabilization efforts.

She said press freedom itself would be the first to be sacrificed if the will of the people is thwarted by lies and false causes.

As the three branches of government strive to gravitate towards a common solution, it is the responsibility of the press to refrain from fueling the debate with intrigue, conjecture and speculation, the President said.

"I trust that your commitment to the ideals of your profession will be equaled by your commitment to our nation’s future. Remain vigilant of wrongdoings but deliver the facts straight and true," she said.

During the event, the KBP also asked the President to help them reconcile their position with that of the government in the protocol involving broadcasters’ rights now being negotiated in the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

The President immediately asked National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Chairman Armi Jane Borje to discuss the matter with the KBP "so we can have a consensus-building exercise as well, like (what) the House is undergoing now."

Another hectic schedule awaits President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo tomorrow (Saturday, Nov. 8) when she visits Cebu and Mandaue.

Fresh from her working trips to Bohol and Bicol this week, the Chief Executive flies to the Queen City of the South to keynote the closing ceremony of the 2003 Consultative Group Meeting for the Philippines at the Shangrila Hotel-Mactan.

Finance Secretary Isidro Camacho will introduce the President as guest of honor and speaker.

The President will then motor to Mandaue City for the inauguration, unveiling of marker and inspection of the facilities of the Drug Rehabilitation House.

She will also meet and speak before the multi-sectoral assembly at the Mandaue City Sports Complex where more than 8,000 Cebuanos are expected to attend, including an urban poor group, which is set to give her a manifestation of support.

Mandaue Vice Mayor Amadeo Seno Jr. will deliver the welcome remarks while former Mayor Alfredo Ouano will introduce the Chief Executive.

SANGLEY POINT, Cavite – Saying the country is no stranger to terrorism, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo stressed today that with the help of the United States, her government is determined to fight the threat until it is defeated.

Speaking at the graduation ceremonies of the Maritime Enforcement Training Course here, the Chief Executive pointed out that the country will do its share in the global fight against terrorism and narcotics trafficking.

The training course is under the auspices of the US Joint Inter-agency Task Force West (JIATF-W), the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Philippine Naval Special Warfare Group, the National Police Maritime Unit, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

The training course is the last phase of the "Fusion Piston" exercises, which the Philippines and the US have staged as part of the two countries’ counter-terrorism and counter narcotics cooperation.

The American participants in the Fusion Piston exercises came from a military-civilian team formed in l989, known as the JIATF, aimed at defeating narcotics trafficking by "fusing" or harnessing, in a team effort, the capabilities and operations of the DEA, the US Coast Guard, and the four armed services of the US Department of Defense.

"As President Bush said in his recent state visit here, both our nations are threatened by terrorism. And we are determined to fight that threat until it is defeated," the President said, referring to the state visit of US President George W. Bush last October 18.

As a result of the visit, which focused on the theme, "New Partnership for Peace and Development," the Philippines now enjoys an unprecedented level of relationship with the world’s only remaining superpower.

Bush’s designation of the country as a major non-NATO ally gave the Philippines greater access to American defense equipment and supplies and thus broadened the foundations of strategic partnership between the two countries.

In the joint statement during the state visit, President Bush pledged the following:

• $30 million in new grant aid for equipment and training of AFP personnel targeted at capabilities for countering terrorist groups within the Philippines.

• $30 million in new bilateral development assistance for Mindanao and support for the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as appropriate; and
• $25 million in new grant assistance to attain and equip a combat engineering unit and provide other military needs in the war on terror.

The President thanked the United States for making the Maritime Enforcement Training Course possible, at the same time congratulating the graduates of this course.

"Your are 52 specially chosen trainees, and I expect you to echo what you have learned to your fellow law enforcers so that we form a larger body of efficient and effective anti-narcotics and terrorism experts specializing in sea operations," the President said during the simple rites also attended by US Ambassador Francis Ricciardone.

According to the President, terrorism linked to drugs and other transnational crimes have increasingly threatened the peace of this world and the freedoms of nations and people.

She said the expertise of the law enforcers and soldiers gained from this training course is similar to the expertise the Filipino soldiers have gained through the Balikatan joint exercises.

"In those exercises, our soldiers increased their capability to neutralize the top men and diminished the strength of the Abu Sayyaf," the President said.

The President also said she is proud of the government’s alliance with the US as well as the information communications alliance with Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Brunei and Thailand, which was initiated by the Philippines.

Recently in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Bangkok, the President said the Philippines has been designated as the coordinator of transnational cooperation in security in the Asia and Pacific Region.

The Philippines has also hosted the meeting on maritime cooperation, security cooperation and soon will also host several trilateral, customs, and immigration quarantine security meetings to strengthen cooperation, particularly in the Southern Philippines, the President said.

"Through all these fight against terrorism, however, peace remains our preferred options," the President emphasized.

The President likewise thanked the United States for supporting the peace initiatives in the South, including the recently initiated education projects through United States Agency for International Development (USAAID).

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today announced the appointment of Claro Fernandez as Press Undersecretary.

The President made the formal announcement during the 29^th Top Level Management Conference of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) held this morning at the Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay City.

Fernandez was formerly Assistant Secretary at the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) since April 2002.

He obtained his degree in Journalism in 1985 from the College of Mass Communications of the University of the Philippines. He also took post-graduate courses in labor management at the UP Institute of Industrial Relations.

One of his first jobs was as correspondent of the defunct Daily Express and reporter of the Business Day before becoming senior reporter of the Manila Chronicle and the Financial Post.

From April 1991 to September 1996, Fernandez was news director of a business-oriented early morning news program, Business Today, aired by GMA Channel 7.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today stressed the need for the collective efforts of families, communities, schools and various sectors of society, including media and the showbiz industry, in the war against illegal drugs.

At the launching this afternoon in Malacanang of the Sagip Kabataan sa Droga (SAKADA), the President called on a group of young artists, who spearheaded this anti-drug campaign program, to help her convey this very important message to the youth: "huwag padadala sa tukso ng bawal na gamot." (Do not be tempted to use illegal drugs).

"Hangga’t may droga sa ating pamayanan ay hindi pa rin ligtas ang ating mga kabataan, hangga’t may nagbebenta ng ilegal na droga ay hindi pa rin ligtas and mga pamilya," (As long as there is illegal drug in our community, the youths are in danger, and as long as there are buyers of illegal drugs, our families are not safe) the President emphasized, saying that everyone has a responsibility, specially young artists who have influence on the youth.

"We should not let drugs ruin the lives of our citizenry, especially the youths," the President said.

According to the President, the Sakada movement aims to influence the youth of the country to stay away from drugs and help rehabilitate those who have become drug dependents.

"Since young artists are idolized by the youth, it is expected that you, young artists, act as role models to the youth and be involved in helping solve the drug problem," the President said.

The President thanked the organizers of the event, specially movie producer Vic del Rosario, who was responsible for inviting most of the artists present, Secretary Dodie Limcaoco, Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Chairman Michael Defensor, National Youth Commissioner Mike Castodes, and Videogram Regulatory Board Chairman Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr.

The President also thanked Assistant Secretary Rudy Caisip and Interior and Local Government Unsersecretary Efren Fernandez of the Dangerous Drugs Board for helping organize various activities in the campaign against drugs.

After the launching of SAKADA, the steering committee will plan on the next activities of the program that will feature various young artists, such as concerts, campus tours, and "Adopt a Dope" wherein an artist together with a fan will help a drug user rehabilitate himself.

SAKADA also aims to impart to the Filipino people the message that the movie industry is in support of the government’s drive to solve the drug problem and is making a firm stand against drugs.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led today the opening of the 9^th International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) Asia Pacific Conference, an event that affirms the Philippines active involvement in volunteerism "as a tool for national and international development and cooperation."

Speaking in front of the international volunteers gathered at Malacanang’s Ceremonial Hall this afternoon, the President welcomed the foreign and local delegates of the historic volunteerism event which was jointly hosted by the Philippine Association for Volunteer Effort (PAVE) and the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA).

In her speech, the President lauded the leaders and members of PAVE and PNVSCA, organizers of the conference "because the event shows a reflection of the Philippine government’s deep commitment to the alliance forged with the international volunteer community."

She said that volunteerism is part of every nation’s history, adding that volunteerism and solidarity go hand in hand in community and nation building.

The President informed the delegates that some of them had witnessed the success of volunteerism efforts in the country when the country sponsored the 5^th IAVE Asia Pacific Conference held in Subic, Zambales in 1985.

She said that during the time of now Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon as mayor of Olongapo City, he converted the former US military base into a showcase of Philippine commerce, trade and tourism. The free port was built in Subic by the Filipino volunteers, the President said.

"The success of Subic is a testament to all Filipinos who believe that anything can be accomplished through volunteerism," the President said.

This year’s three-day conference, which runs until Nov. 10 at the Manila Hotel with a theme "Volunteerism: Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges," emphasizes the diversity of Asia Pacific culture and celebrates volunteerism as a way of life.

The participants in this year’s conference are from Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, United States, Brunei, India, Laos, Mexico and United Kingdom.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has full faith and confidence on Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Narciso Abaya, Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said today.

Bunye issued this statement in his regular press briefing after being asked to comment on a newspaper report that said Abaya admitted to having been approached by certain individuals who advised him of the military’s role should the standoff on the impeachment controversy of Chief Justice Hilario Davide result to a political unrest.

"The President has full faith and confidence in the chief of staff. The President is confident that the chain of command remains strong," Bunye said.

Reports said Abaya told the Philippine Daily Inquirer during a dinner with the newspaper staff in their office that four people have ‘apprised’ him on the military’s role on any political unrest that would result in the impeachment move against Davide.

Bunye noted that such sensitive information, especially if this has been already shared with the media, must have been initially conferred with the President.

"I am sure this type of sensitive information, especially if this has been already shared with the media, must have been shared previously with the President," he said.

Bunye noted that the President is the commander in chief and she has access to information that are vital to the security of our country.

"The President is confident that the armed forces hierarchy as a whole remains loyal to the government," he said.

In her speech before the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) in Tagaytay City this morning, the President called for national unity as she warned all attempts to undermine the Republic through unlawful plots.

The President warned that if anyone turns the impeachment controversy against Davide into an illegitimate bid for political power, "we will pre-empt criminal conspiracies with the full force of the law."