An investment about $50 million is forthcoming for the expansion and full operation of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Clark Zone, Pampanga.

This was bared by Clark International Airport Corporation (CIACor) president Adelberto Yap during inauguration of the rehabilitated portion of DMIA’s Aircraft Movement Area.

The rehabilitation work, which cost P220 million, consisted of reconstruction and strengthening of the existing aprons and taxiways covering about seven hectares and the relocation of a building which has been obstructing the movements of aircraft using the apron.

Yap said that the newly rehabilitated taxiways and aprons could now accommodate wide-bodied aircraft, like the MD-11 and Boeing 747.

He said that DMIA can now accommodate 10 big-bodied aircrafts at a time.

The CIACor authorities, Yap said, have started preparing Phase 1 of the expansion project for construction of a modern terminal building designed to accommodate passengers of flights from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to DMIA.

He also said that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s expansion program for the DMIA is in support of her open skies policy, wherein the President wants a gradual opening up of the Philippine skies to multinational carriers.

It is expected that the FedEx would transfer its operations at DMIA in the year 2007, making this airport as the gateway for international cargo operations in Asia.

A 100-hectare portion of the eastern side of DMIA will soon be the site of the Cargo Maintenance Complex for international cargo operations.

Yap said that Japanese Nippon Cargo, Gulf Air, and other cargo investors have signified their plans to locate and invest at the DMIA complex.

President Emmanuel Y. Angeles of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) earlier had proposed to President Macapagal-Arroyo to convert Clark Zone as an experimental gateway for open skies for international cargo operations to boost the development of the airport.

He said that DMIA has been very busy with the entry of South Korea’s Asiana Airlines which has increased its Clark-Seoul flights to five times a week.

I can feel that we are gaining solid ground in this campaign because we have kept our efforts at a high level, with a consistent emphasis on our record of governance and the more that is to come.

Today we are launching an anti-drug caravan throughout the country to show our appreciation to the Filipino people for the collective support they have shown in ridding our society of this menace.

We have cut the drug threat by more than half, dismantled 20 drug labs and warehouses, recovered 13 billion pesos worth of illegal drugs and demobilized the top producers and distributors.

The fight against drugs is one of the flagship issues of K4 in our campaign for the well-being of the Filipino family.

I will not condone the exploitation of the Armed Forces, in any manner, for partisan ends.

At the same time, I have a firm commitment from the AFP that they hold the line for the Constitution and the rule of law.

I urge our detractors to refrain from dragging the AFP into politics as this is inimical to the national interest.

The Comelec appointment is obviously being exploited as a tool of mudslinging and an avenue for settling a personal grudge.

Our economy is in good shape and in good hands.

The threat of government running out of dollars is a figment of politics.

The opposition must get out of this doomsday syndrome and talk about their economic platform instead.

We left exactly one week ago, on February 8, 2004, on what we said was another Journey for Peace to "open another chapter in our continuing effort to end armed conflict and to bring lasting peace to our country."

As you already know, having been reported in Philippine media over the last few days, it has been a very difficult – even perilous – journey, with the talks threatening to break down over highly contentious issues even up to the very last hours.

But we are pleased to return home and report to you that, in the end, goodwill and persistence triumphed. We managed to overcome the obstacles, working overtime without sleep on the last night, enabling us to conclude with a shared statement, entitled the Oslo Joint Statement, at six o’clock in the morning of February 14 (Valentine’s Day). 2004. The Statement was signed by the Chairs of the two Panels and witnessed by our Third-Party Facilitator, in the person of Mr. Tore Hattrem, representing the RNG Foreign Affairs State Secretary Vidal Helgesen.

The Oslo Joint Statement embodies the exchange and agreements reached between the two parties in the four days of negotiations. For us in government, it represents a significant advance in the shared language by which we approach the peace talks. As well, and of great importance, we established concrete mechanisms and procedures by which the peace process will be able to immediately proceed to in between formal talks and in preparation for the next round of formal negotiations. We consider these important building blocks that will contribute to the sustainability of the peace process.

A close examination of the Oslo Joint Statement will reveal the following, concrete advances in the peace process:

1. The GRP persistently sought and we succeeded in forging and adopting a common language which affirms, what was first stated in the Hague Declaration; that the peace talks are important in resolving the ongoing armed conflict. This assertion is found in the opening portion of the Statement, which paragraph also affirms the joint commitment to the attainment of a just and lasting peace through socio-economic and political constitutional reforms and in improving the living conditions of the Filipino people. This establishes our intent and goal for the peace talks to contribute to making a felt difference in the lives of our people and their communities on the ground.
2. The two Parties agreed to accelerate the pace of the peace talks, with the resumption of the work of the Reciprocal Working Group (RWG) on the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER), with milestone deadlines set for the completion of the most critical agenda within a quarterly timetable. At the same time, there was agreement to initiate the work of the Reciprocal Working Group on Political and Constitutional Reforms even before the conclusion of the CASER.
3. The Formal Negotiations also established concrete mechanisms for continuing and sustaining the peace process between formal negotiations. Aside from the RWG on CASER, the parties established the Joint Monitoring Team for the CARHR/IH, on terms which are acceptable to both parties. The members of the JMC were named, including four observers from civil society, putting in place a mechanism by which accusations and counter-charges regarding human rights violations may be more systematically and impartially addressed.
4. Further agreements were forged regarding the next steps to be taken on the indemnification of human rights victims under the Marcos regime as well as on the release of prisoners and detainees, which agenda were jointly adopted as confidence building measures during the exploratory talks which preceded the reopening of formal negotiations.
5. The two parties undertook a frank exchange of information and complaints on matters that were perceived to have a potentially adverse effect on the peace negotiations. On the part of government, this included the following issues: the "permit-to-campaign" and other similar fees being imposed by the NPA; the condition and whereabouts of Sgt. Jeremias Rosete and three other soldiers taken hostage by the NPA; the complaints received from farmers groups and communities in the Bondoc Peninsula, Quezon, regarding alleged harassment and violence by the NPA Marai Tersea de Leon Command; the practice of recruitment of children for combat and combat-related activities; and the call to ensure that the civilian population, their lives and properties, should not be the subject of armed attacks (with specific names mentioned). While we did not expect for these issues to be resolved within this round of negotiations, it was important for the GRP to have put these complaints raised by the NDF, would be referred for study and appropriate action by the JMC and other appropriate mechanisms.
6. On the issue on "terrorist listing," contrary to what the NDF has claimed that we agreed to call for the delisting of the CPP, NPA, and the NDF Chief Political Consultant, the agreement was for the GRP and the NDF to, "jointly and separately… call upon the United States government, the Council of the European Union, and other concerned foreign states and government, to support the efforts of the parties in resolving the issue…." We continue to maintain that the inclusion of the CPP, NPA and Prof. Jose Ma. Sison in foreign terror lists were sovereign acts of these states, independent of the GRP disposition regarding these matters. We continue to assert that "effective measures" to resolve the issue requires actions on their parts to desist from acts considered as terrorist by the international community. In pursuit of this agreement, the Department of Foreign Affairs is prepared to provide a briefing for the concerned Foreign Missions in the Philippines to apprise them of the progress which have been made in the peace talks.
7. Finally,, the parties agreed to hold the next round of formal talks in a mutually acceptable venue in March 2004, in consultation with the Royal Norwegian Government.

Based on these agreements and joint positions, we are pleased to state that, despite the great difficulties and obstacles that we faced, we were able to put the peace process back on course after two-and-a-half years since formal negotiations between the government and the NDF were suspended in June 2001, following the political assassination of former Cong. Aguinaldo by the NPA. This positive outcome of this Journey for Peace would not have been possible without the presence, support, and assistance of the Royal Norwegian Government, our Third-Party facilitator and host. President Arroyo’s personal hopes for success in this endeavor and her full support for us every step of the way fuelled the Panel’s resolve to stay the course and triumph over the obstacles placed in the way to peace. We likewise thank the leadership of our Congressional Houses, Senate President Franklin Drilon and House Speaker Jose de Venecia for extending their full backing for our mandate.

BACOOR, Cavite – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said the leader with good moral record and experience in governance can best guide the nation’s future.

President Macapagal-Arroyo issued this remark to 15,000 residents gathered inside and outside the covered court in Barangay Molino 4 during the political rally of K-4 coalition Sunday night.

In her speech during the rally, the President told the residents that her three-year experience as President together with her teammates in K-4 coalition would be the best combine to save the future of the country. K-4 means "Koalisyon ng Katapatan at Karanasan sa Kinabukasan.

"Kaya walang kapalit ang karanasan kung gusto natin ng magandang kinabukasan (That’s why experience has no substitute if we want a good future)," the President said.

During her speech, the President acted immediately on the problems raised by Bacoor Mayor Jessie Castillo for his constituents.

One of the problems resolved by the President was the long standing request of the residents to the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) to recognize and acknowledge them as the real owner of their land.

Immediately, the President turned over to HUDCC’s Manny De Castro the bulk of envelopes containing the documents of the owners

"As I’ve said earlier, once the documents get by Manny, you will be recognized. As you can see, Manny got the papers tonight and now you are recognized," she announced.

Among the resident beneficiaries were those from Barangay Talaba, Zapote, Green Valley, Malibay and Gawaran, all in Bacoor.

The President also said that upon the request of Mayor Castillo she immediately ordered Public Works Secretary Florante Soriquez to deploy backhoe machines to dredge the Zapote-San Nicolas river to avert flash floods during the rainy season.

She also announced her administration and the entire K-4 coalition will supports the cityhood of Bacoor.

"Me and my team will support the cityhood of Bacoor," the President added.

The President reported to the residents that prior to inauguration of the P4-billion Cavite-Coastal Road project, her next plan and priority project for Bacoor is to implement the construction of Daang-Hari extension from NCR boundary to Molino Road in Bacoor.

She said once the Daang-Hari extension is completed, it would be easier to go to Bacoor, the gateway of Cavite, from Manila and to the nearby provinces in Central Luzon.

Her running mate Noli De Castro, senatorial candidates Robert Jaworski, Lito Lapid, Rodolfo Biazon, Miriam Defensor Santiago, Pia Cayetano, Orly Mercado, Robert Barbers, Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr., Parouk Hussin, Richard Gordon were present in the rally. Only John Osmena and Mar Roxas were absent.

Prior to Bacoor, the President also visited the towns of Carmona, General Mariano Alvarez, Dasmarinas, Imus, and Kawit.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today wooed the women sector for support in her quest for a full six-year term in the May 10 elections, saying she is in the best position to institute reforms needed to improve the quality of life of the Filipino people.

Speaking at the celebration of the 38^th anniversary of the Inner Wheel Club of the Philippines, Inc. (IWCPI) at the Manila Hotel, the President said she had gained the clout and experience to turn around the economy.

Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo urged the IWCPI members to help push her candidacy even as they pursue their community-oriented missions.

The Chief Executive recalled that the economy was in a mess when she took over the presidency from ousted President Joseph Estrada in January 2001, citing as example the over four million unemployed workers at the time.

During the past three years, the President said her administration was able to create three million jobs, compared to only one million generated by her predecessor over an equal period of time.

"The most important things if you want to have food on every table…if you want to alleviate hunger is to create jobs, to create investments and to have people like the Inner Wheel helping take care of the most marginalized family and the poorest of the poor," President Macapagal-Arroyo stressed.

She called on the women sector as represented by the IWCPI to join her in serving the people in the next six years,.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo swears in DOTC Undersecretary for ICT Virgilio Peņa as the Chairman of the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT), a Cabinet level position. Mr. Peņa has been in the IT industry for almost his entire professional career and was the President of the IBM Philippines up to 1994. His vast knowledge and experience in the industry will help chart the course of ICT development in the country through the Commission.

The CICT was created by EO 269, which is due to take effect next month. It places all agencies of government responsible for IT and Communications under one organization to provide focus in developing this high growth industry. The CICT is the policy making. Planning, coordinating, implementing, regulating and administrative entity of the executive branch on ICT matters.

The new Commission will be composed of the Communications cluster and Telecommunications Office of the Department of Transportation and Communications, and the National Computer Center. The National Telecommunications Commission and the Philippine Postal Corporation will be attached agencies to the Commission. The President stated that the "TELOF was not abolished. Instead it would become the Office of the Secretary of the proposed Department of ICT. The budget and the personnel of the TELOF should be the first to be integrated into the CICT."

President Arroyo also said that, "the CICT is the interim organization until the Department of ICT is created." She further mentioned that the CICT shall become the Department when it is created by law.

With the creation of the CICT, the policy advisory of ITECC shall now be transferred to an Advisory Board of the CICT composed of private sector representatives. This shall ensure the partnership between government and the private sector in pushing for ICT reforms for development.

It’s never too late to regain one’s freedom.

More than 50 elderly inmates of the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City now smell the sweet air of freedom as President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo vowed to set them free provided they were not convicted of capital offenses such as drug trafficking or kidnapping.

"This is my policy. If they’re not drug lords or kidnappers, and they are more than 70 years old, just recommend it to me and I assure you (I will) grant them my presidential pardon," the President told members of the Inner Wheel Clubs of the Philippines, Inc. (IWCPI) which observed its 38^th anniversary today.

During the affair held at the Manila Hotel, the IWCPI presented to the Chief Executive former inmates Flaviana Reyes and Pacita Gonzales, both 70, who were granted executive clemency last Jan. 16.

"I believe that in the 21^st century, correctional cells should only serve as a rehabilitation institution and by the time they (inmates) are over 70 years old and have spent so many years in the women’s correctional, they should have been rehabilitated. So it’s time for them to enjoy the comfort and company of their family," Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo stressed.

The IWCPI said there are 56 more elderly inmates at the Correctional who may be granted pardon soon under the club’s "Laya ka na Lola" project.

The President joined hands with drivers and operators of the public transport sector in launching the Manibela Kontra Droga (Makondroga), part of a larger program intended to establish a drug-free Philippines in the year 2010.

As this developed, the state-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) also set off a weeklong nationwide caravan designed to drumbeat public support to the government’s anti-drug campaign.

At the launching of Makondroga, held at the Amoranto Stadium in Quezon City this afternoon, Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo expressed elation over the presence of some 12,000 people in the meeting called to further strengthen the administration’s drive to suppress illegal drugs and safeguard the Filipino family from the drug menace.

The President stressed the importance of cooperation of the different transport groups to ensure further success of her administration in the fight against illegal drugs. She called on drivers to avoid drugs to stay awake on the job and, thus, earn more.

"Kailangan nating mapalitan ang kultura, kayo mismo ang kailangan para mapalitan ang kultura. Kayo mismo ang inaasahan nating magbibigay ng magandang halimbawa (We must change this culture. You are needed to change this culture. You are called upon to set the good example)," she said.

The President urged the drivers to undergo drugs tests at government centers. The drug tests shall be free for the first 10,000 drivers, she said.

Recounting some of the gains of her administration in the fight against illegal drugs, Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo said that a more strict law was enacted by Congress under her watch.

"Kaya tuloy ngayon, ang dami na nating nahuling big-time pushers… kasama pa nga ang No. 1 drug pusher sa kanilang lahat, si William Gan. Now William Gan is gone, nasa preso na.(Now, many big-time pushers have been arrested, including the No. 1 pusher, William Gan. He is now in prison)," she said.

Apart from the seizure of billion pesos worth of shabu, she said, many major drug laboratories and warehouses had been padlocked.

Joining the President in the Makondroga launching were Secretaries Leandro Mendoza of the Department of Transportation and Communications, Jose Lina, Jr., of the Department of Interior and Local Government, Manuel Dayrit of the Department of Health, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chief Maria Elena Bautista, Sen. Robert Bargers and Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte and his vice mayor, Herbert Bautista.

The transport sector was represented by Claire dela Fuente, Jun Volve dela Crus, Ludie Ledesma, Jun Magno, Ding Osana and Bing Naval.

Meanwhile, the PAGCOR-inspired caravan dubbed "Lakbay Laban sa Droga 2004" will cover some 300 key locations across the country.

The 16-leg tour was initiated by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) in collaboration with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and various non-government organizations led by the Batang Iwas Droga (BIDA) Foundation.

Colorful parades featuring BIDA mascots Luzy, Victor and Mindo preceded the fun-filled activities, which commenced simultaneously in all caravan sites nationwide.

BIDA is a comprehensive anti-drug campaign which aims to create awareness among school children aged six to 12 on the hazards of illegal drugs and prohibited substances.

Thousands of students attending Citizens Army Training and Reserve Officers Training Course are expected to converge at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta at the culmination of the caravan on Feb. 22.

PAGCOR, led by its chairman Efraim Genuino, has been actively involved in the all-out war against illegal drugs.