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03 APRIL 2004 |
| The Good News: IMF projects 4.5 percent economic growth for RP in 2004 |
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected a 4.5 percent growth of the Philippine economy this year, even if less than the 4.9-5.8 percent gross domestic product (GDP) target of the government. The IMF also had good words for the monetary authorities and fiscal managers of the country for their success last year. The Philippine GDP grew 4.5 percent in 2003 despite the global economic slowdown, the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), the US-Iraqi war, a failed mutiny and destabilization attempts. It’s Gross National Product (GNP) then also grew 5.5 percent. "Economic growth should continue to be favorable," the IMF said in an advisory/statement released in Washington and Manila. The IMF based its growth projection on the expected good performance of the export sector, largely on account of the recovery in the global economy. Furthermore, it noted the important economic reforms undertaken by Philippine authorities in recent years and the favorable macroeconomic performance with sustained growth and declining inflation. On the country’s monetary authorities, and fiscal managers, the IMF gave its stamp of approval for measures they adopted to contain financial market pressures while keeping inflation at an average of three percent, below the 2003 target, and instituting tight expenditure patterns to check the budget deficit. The IMF also gave its nod to the continuance of the country’s post program monitoring expected to extend to 2009 when the government has programmed its financial position to get back to the black. The IMF commended the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for its conduct of monetary policy which helped contain market pressures in 2003. It also lauded fiscal managers for the belt-tightening program of the government that resulted in a lower than programmed budget deficit. It urged economic managers with the support of lawmakers to continue implementing bold structural reform measures to maximize the country’s growth potential and fast track the debt reduction process. The IMF also commended the authorities’ steadfast resolve to strengthen tax administration which helped to halve the declining trend in the revenue-GDP ratio ad the tight control over spending. However, the IMF warned the GDP growth could be considerably weighed down by uncertainty from the political environment. It also cautioned the government against a further depressed spending pattern, particularly on capital outlay. |
| Statement of Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye: Re Anti-terror campaign |
There is no politics or ethno-religious discrimination in the government’s anti-terrorism drive. We shall not fall into the hands of extremists who want to use the alleged oppression of Muslims to justify lawless violence. The AFP and PNP have always conducted themselves professionally and without bias in targeting terrorist cells. We have always considered the anti-terror campaign a responsibility for both Muslims and Christians. |
| GMA's patubig project now covers entire Quezon City |
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ceremonially opened the faucet of a water truck in Novaliches, Quezon City, making potable water now available to all poor families in the metropolis. The President launched another project under her Patubig program Friday afternoon in Sitio Tawid Sapa I, Barangay San Agustin. The President said that San Agustin is the last barangay in Quezon City to be provided with clean water through delivery by water trucks, static water tanks, or water pipes under the Patubig ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo project. "Ito ang huling lugar sa Quezon City na walang tubig. Buong Quezon City me tubig na (This is the last barangay in Quezon City without clean water. It is now provided with clean water. The entire city now has water)," she said. The Chief Executive advised the public to report to the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) or the Maynilad Water Services Inc. (MWSI) any area that is not yet serviced or inventoried by the Patubig project. President Macapagal-Arroyo arrived 5:25 P.M. in Sitio Tawid Sapa I and was welcomed by some 2,000 residents and local officials led by Barangay San Agustin chairman Almario Francisco. Also at hand for the welcome were eight persons with disabilities (PWDs) from the nearby Bahay Pangarap, a branch of the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), led by Supervisor Virgilio Torres, who is a wheelchair-bound PWD. After the opening of the water project, Francisco accompanied the President to the nearby Gulayan ni Pangulong Gloria project in the barangay. |
| Palace assures Filipino Muslims that they are not being discriminated against in anti-terror campaign |
Malacaņang today assured Filipino Muslims that they are not being discriminated against in the government’s stepped-up campaign against terrorism and that religion or ethnic origins have never been taken into consideration in this campaign. In a statement, Presidential Spokesman Ignacio R. Bunye said that there is "no politics or ethno-religious discrimination" in the government’s anti-terrorism drive that has so far rounded up a number of suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf terror group and seized a cache of explosives, averting what could have been Madrid-type bombing attacks in Metro Manila. Bunye said that the administration will not "fall into the hands of extremists who want to use the alleged oppression of Muslims to justify lawless violence." "The AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and the PNP (Philippine National Police) have always conducted themselves professionally and without bias in targeting terrorist cells," Bunye said. Bunye stressed that the anti-terror campaign is a responsibility of all Filipinos, whether they are Muslims or Christians. In an interview with Radyo ng Bayan, Bunye also fended off criticisms of alleged indiscriminate arrests of Muslims who were being tagged as terrorists. "Ang importante dito ginagawa ng ating armed forces at ng police, sa tulong na rin ng mga mamamayan, iyong kanilang dapat gawain para labanan ang banta ng terorismo (What is important is that our armed forces and police, with cooperation from the citizens, are doing their job to fight the threat of terrorism,)" he said. Bunye said that criticisms against military and police operatives would not deter them from performing their mission. "If there are legal issues, these will be answered in the proper forum," he added. He said that the arrests of terrorist suspects have been carried out not only based on "solid information" gathered by the intelligence community, but primarily for the purpose of protecting the people. Bunye assured the families of the Abu Sayyaf members who have been arrested that their rights will be protected and all procedures on due process will be observed. On travel advisories of foreign governments advising their nationals against visiting the Philippines due to Abu Sayyaf threats, Bunye said that the government prefers not to dispute them anymore. Bunye said that despite travel advisories, foreign tourists continue to visit the country. "We will just go on with our daily activities," he said. |
| GMA: Gov't does not plan to increase power rates |
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ruled out any increase in power rates even after the May 10 elections. The President said Friday that Secretary Vince Perez of the Department of Energy (DOE) had been misquoted in a news report that the cap of 40 centavos per kilowatt hour (KWh) on the purchased power cost adjustment (PPCA) would be lifted 50 days from now. "Kinausap ko na si Secretary Vince Perez tungkol diyan at hindi totoo ‘yan (I’ve talked with Secretary Perez on that (cap removal) and that’s not true)," she said. Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo imposed the cap almost two years ago. As a result, the National Power Corporation (Napocor) has been charging P2.22 per kwh, instead of P3.01 in Luzon. The Energy Regulatory Commission says that only Malacaņang has the power to lift the cap. The President, who imposed the cap, has no plan to change it. |
| GMA leads officials in celebrating Cardinal Sin's 50th year as priest |
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today joined former President Corazon Aquino and other officials in celebrating the golden jubilee of the ordination of Jaime Cardinal Sin, Archbishop Emeritus of the Manila Archdiocese, which was commemorated by a solemn mass at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, with Sin himself as the main officiating priest. Pope John Paul II, in a special message read by the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Antonio Franco, said: "The occasion aptly commemorated Cardinal Sin’s gift of priesthood, as shown by his long and eventful tenure, and fruitful shepherding of his flock, and of his love for Christ and the Gospel." Cardinal Sin, who was wheeled into the Cathedral since he could not walk because of failing health, said in a message: "I cannot retell my life without EDSA. It is perhaps the most important chapter of my life. I admit finding a secret joy and pride in being called the Cardinal of the EDSA revolution." Sin said that he does not claim that it was a right but it was a blessing that he was the archbishop of Manila when the EDSA rebellion in l986 happened. Sin was also one of those instrumental in the downfall of former President Joseph Estrada in what is now known as EDSA 2. Cardinal Sin was ordained in Roxas City, Capiz, on April 3, 1954 by the late Bishop Antonio Frondosa. He first served the Roman Catholic Church as a missionary in the Panay hinterlands against the wishes of his bishop, who wanted him to pursue studies in Rome. Sin was appointed bishop of the Jaro Archdiocese on March 19, 1967 at the age of 39, and as metropolitan bishop of Jaro in October 1972. At the age of 46, he was installed Archbishop of Manila. He became a cardinal on May 26, 1976. Among those who assisted Cardinal Sin in celebrating the mass were Manila Archbishop Gaudencio B. Rosales, Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, and Auxiliary Bishop of Manila Socrates Villegas. Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr., Speaker and Mrs. Jose de Venecia, Jr. and K-4 vice presidential candidate Sen. Noli "Kabayan" de Castro also attended the mass. |
| GMA praises women health volunteers for promoting social welfare in Nueva Ecija |
MUNOZ, Nueva Ecija -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today praised the women of Nueva Ecija for their role in promoting social welfare of the people, particularly in the provision of health care. The President, who arrived to an enthusiastic welcome here this morning, spoke before a meeting of the Boluntaryong Manggagawa ng Nueva Ecija at the Multi-Purpose Gymnasium of the Central Luzon State University. "Grabe ang malasakit ninyo para alagaan ang kalusugan ng inyong mga inaalagaan (You show great concern for the health of people under your care)," she told the audience, composed mostly of members of the Provincial Federation of Barangay Health Workers and the Day care Workers Association, both of Nueva Ecija. Also in attendance were nutrition scholars, service point officers and barangay executives. She said that the health workers could be of help in implementing the government’s family planning program. Her administration, she pledged, would look for ways to provide the volunteers with incentives. Noting that most of the women volunteers are married to farmers, the President underscored the importance of modernization of agriculture in developing not only Nueva Ecija but the country as a whole. She said that her administration has prioritized propagation of the "Gloria Rice," a high-yielding variety developed in China and adopted right here in Munoz, which has increased production. "At hindi lamang iyon, ang presyo ng karaniwang bigas na binibili ng mga mahihirap ay nananatiling matatag (Furthermore, the price of rice has become stable)," she said. The President praised the "good work" of the National Food Authority, which has started early its palay-buying program, at P9.l9 per kilo, to the benefit of farmers. The President arrived here after attending a holy mass, held at the Manila Cathedral, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the presbyteral ordination of retired Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin. She met with barangay captains, headed by Leonardo Garcia, president of the Association of Barangay Chairmen of Nueva Ecija. Also present at the meeting at the CLSU gym were Nueva Ecija governor Tomas Joson, and Congressmen Josefina Joson, Aurelio Umali and Raoul Villareal. She subsequently had lunch with mayors, headed by San Antonio Mayor Dr. Jose Salonga, president of the Nueva Ecija Mayors’ League. |
| Political parties, led by Joson clan, assure GMA of 'landslide victory' in Nueva Ecija |
MUNOZ, Nueva Ecija – All political parties in Nueva Ecija, led by the Joson clan, assured President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today that they fully support her candidacy in the May 10 elections and, in particular, she will score a "landslide victory" in the province. Nueva Ecija Governor Tomas Joson III made the assurance in welcoming the President to the general assembly of Barangay Health Workers at the multi-purpose gymnasium of the Central Luzon State University here. "Ang ating bansa ay malalagay sa panganib kung hindi si Pangulong Gloria ang magiging Pangulo muli pagkatapos ng Mayo 10 (Our country would be in danger if our President Gloria would not be the next President after May 10)," Joson said. Joson said that the other political parties are really concerned about the future of the country if the President’s bid for a full six-year term would fail. "Umasa po kayo na ang mga hidwaan, yung mga hindi pagkakaintindihan sa aming mga politiko ay aming isasaisantabi alang-alang sa inyong tagumpay sa darating na halalan (You can rest assured that we, politicians, will set aside our misunderstandings so that you will win," Joson told the President. The governor admitted that the administration’s strong start in agricultural modernization, micro-finance and livelihood assistance to the farmers, along with her successful job creation program, would go to naught if the President would not win. He also said, in an ambush interview at the Talavera National High School in Talavera, Nueva Ecija, that all political parties in the province are confident that the President will have a landslide victory in Nueva Ecija. "Definitely, we will try our best," Joson said right after the President boarded the presidential chopper for the trip back to Manila. Joson said that all political parties, including rival factions, were present at the luncheon meeting with the President at the CLSU Research, Extension and Training Center. "You know this is the first time that the different political parties, even our political rivals, joined each other to express our full support to President Gloria," Joson added. Vice Presidential candidate Noli "Kabayan" de Castro, Press Secretary Milton Alingod, National Food Authority administrator Arthur Yap, Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon Secretary Rene Diaz accompanied the President in her fruitful visit here. The local officials present during the President visit here were Governor Joson, Nueva Ecija 3rd District Representative Aurelio Umali, 1st District Rep. Josefina Joson, 4th District Raoul Villareal and Talavera Mayor Manolito Fausto. |
| GRP, NDF conclude 'frank and fruitful' round of negotiations |
OSLO, Norway--The government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) today concluded what both panels jointly billed as a "frank and fruitful" round of formal peace talks. Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Sec. Teresita Quintos Deles said the panels for both the government and the NDF "rose above expected contention issues to hammer out substantive agreements." Deles said that the two panels agreed to have another round of formal negotiations on April 26 to 29. She said that the two panels were resolute in not allowing any issue to derail the agenda jointly set for the latest round of talks, which was held from March 30 to April 2 here. Deles said that as expected and as scheduled within the formal agenda, the NDF brought up the matter of the NDF’s inclusion in a US listing of terrorist organizations, and demanded that the GRP take a more active stance in the NDF’s removal from the same. "But, with the GRP upholding the position that the ultimate resolution of the terrorist listing issue requires effective measures to be undertaken by both sides, we quickly moved above and beyond the matter, " Deles said. "There were apprehensions—aired by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, no less—that only a delisting of the NDF would ensure the progress of the talks. But, after an affirmation of shared principles on national sovereignty and the protection of human rights and international humanitarian law, both the GRP and the NDF panels agreed that there were more than enough common themes to move forward on, and there was no need to stray from the agenda," Deles said. More substantively, the GRP and NDF panels agreed:
Chief Government Negotiator Silvestre Bello III noted that in 2001, the NDF panel submitted a list of 121 alleged political detainees. Of this total, 98 had already been released by government. The latest GRP list of 32 detainees nominated for release includes nine individuals covered by the release order of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2001. It also includes seven women, 10 minors, and six sick and/or elderly persons. Deles said that "of the seven women, the case of nursing mother Zenaida Llesis will be given the highest priority and she shall be released forthwith." The two panels also agreed to work for the indemnification of human rights victims of the Marcos regime. Deles noted that that an administration bill on the matter has been certified by the President as urgent and has already passed the House of Representatives. The bill, which would set aside P8 billion from the assets covered by the January 30, 2004 custodian agreement between the Republic of the Philippines and the PNB, is awaiting similar resolution at the Senate. Both the GRP and the NDF discussed general and specific issues pertaining to alleged violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. In particular, Deles said "concerns were raised about reported attacks on human rights workers, leaders and supporters of legal organizations including some progressive party-list groups, as well as reported attacks on communities, civilians, and properties." The panels agreed to look into the complaints and to refer their findings to the JMC, Deles said. Deles said that on complaints of harassment and the collection of permits to campaign fees by the NPA, both panels agreed to affirm in a joint statement "that freedom of thought and expression, freedom of conscience, political and religious beliefs, freedom of movement and travel, as well as the rights to free speech, press and assembly shall be observed and protected." Deles said that with a desire to build on the "fruitful" talks, the panels agreed to meet again on April 26 to 29, in a venue yet to be finalized in consultation with the Royal Norwegian Government. The latest round of talks were held under the auspices of the Royal Norwegian Government, to whom both panels expressed their deepest gratitude. |
| Tricycle drivers, out-of-school youth express support for GMA's candidacy |
More than 10,000 officers and members of the Federation of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA) in the National Capital Region (NCR) today pledged their full support to the administration and candidacy of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during a rally at the Quezon City hall grounds this afternoon. Jun dela Cruz, president of the NCR TODA federation, said they openly support the President because she has supported their cause, particularly when the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) made a standing order phasing out the two-stroke motorcycle engine in 2002 because it allegedly contributed to more pollution in the metropolis. "President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo supported our cause when the MMDA made a resolution phasing out the two-stroke motorcycle engines in year 2002," Dela Cruz said. Dela Cruz, also president of the 30,000-strong Quezon City TODA federation, said some 90 percent of the tricycles in Metro Manila still use the two-stroke motor engines. He said illegal logging and smoke-belching buses, and not the two-stroke engines, should be first eliminated as it contribute more to over pollution in Metro Manila. During the rally, the President allocated P1 million for the establishment of a cooperative in Quezon City that would sell cheaper 2T engine oil and rice for the members of the tricycle groups in the area. Dela Cruz said they are planning to sell the 2T engine oil at P50-P55 per liter compared to its present P63 to P65 per liter cost. The President also instructed National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Arthur Yap to help the TODA cooperative sell rice at P16 per kilo for its members. Aside from Yap, also present were Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte, vice presidential bet Noli "Kabayan" de Castro, Vice Mayor Bistek Herbert Bautista, Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jose LIna Jr., and Senatorial bet Mar Roxas. Afterwards, the President proceeded to the Quezon Memorial Circle fronting the city hall where some 10,000 out-of-school youths (OSYs) welcomed her. The OSYs are members of the Negosyanteng Out-of-School Youth (NegOSYouth) under the President's "Kalinga sa Kabataan" Emergency Employment Program. The President led the distribution of certificates of recognition for best practices to 13 OSY entrepreneurs in Metro Manila. For her birthday, 100 children of TODA members gave the President a birthday cake and sang "Happy Birthday" at the QC hall grounds. The OSYs also sang Happy Birthday for the President. |
