We call on the transport leaders to deal with this problem as prudently and as reasonably as possible.

While we understand the sentiments of PUV operators and drivers in the midst of oil price hikes, we ask them to take into consideration the negative effects on the average Filipino because fare hikes would certainly cause a domino-effect on the prices of our basic commodities.

We assure the transport sector that the administration would exert all efforts, and exhaust all options, to come up with a solution that is beneficial to both the transport operators and drivers, and to the commuters and the public as a whole.

We are open to the revision of debate rules for the convenience of Mr. Ronnie Poe.

If the use of Tagalog as a medium and Tondo as a venue pleases him, then it may be considered.

We are not looking at this as a showdown before the cameras since the President is neither an actor nor a polished debater.

We have crushed a number of attempts to grab power within the three-year term of the Arroyo administration so we are confident that there is no way any new destabilization plots would ever get off the ground.

The loyalty of the military and the police is given.

The people are firmly behind our democratic system, considering the fact that the election is barely two months away.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo appealed to transport leaders today to deal "as prudently and as reasonably as possible" on a planned nationwide strike by bus and jeepney drivers and operators, if their demand for fare hike would be rejected.

At the same time, the President ordered transport, energy and trade officials to meet anew with drivers and operators of public utility vehicles to head off the threatened strike.

The President said, in a statement, that "while we understand the sentiments of PUV (public utility vehicle) operators and drivers in the midst of oil price hikes, we ask them to take into consideration the negative effect on the average Filipino because fare hikes would certainly cause a domino effect on the prices of basic commodities."

Deputy Presidential Spokesman Ricardo Saludo said that, in view of the oil price increases, the administration "understands" why the bus and jeepney drivers and operators have petitioned the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for fare adjustment.

In an interview with Radyo ng Bayan, Saludo said that while the LTFRB is deliberating on the petition, the government would like the strike to be put on hold.

Saludo pointed out that a strike would cause difficulty not only to commuters but also to the drivers themselves.

Saludo, who is concurrently the Cabinet secretary, said that the Cabinet has already approved the proposed scaling down of tariffs on bus and jeepney spare parts for a six-month period.

"’Yan ay naipasa na ng Gabinete at nanduon sa Tariff Commission at hinihintay na lamang palagay ko ang executive order upang ipatupad (The proposal, already approved by the Cabinet, is now with the Tariff Commission. An executive order is being awaited for it’s implementation)," he said.

Also to ease the burden of public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators, Saludo said, there is the network of gas stations in Metro Manila that sell diesel oil at discounted prices. A similar network of gas stations is being planned for the provinces.

In her statement, President Macapagal-Arroyo assured the transport sector that her administration would exert all efforts and exhaust all options, to come up with a solution that is beneficial not only to transport operators and drivers but also to the commuters and the public as a whole.

PAGADIAN CITY -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo expressed confidence today that there’s no way any new destabilization plot could ever get off the ground, citing the number of coup attempts crushed by the government during her watch.

The President made the assurance during a press conference this afternoon at the Camila Hotel here, the second stop of her four-day four-province Mindanao sortie.

"We’ve crushed a number of attempts to grab power, so we’re confident there’s no way any new destabilization plot could ever get off the ground," the President said.

The President was reacting to news reports saying that recruitment for another military uprising supposedly far worst than the July 27, 2003 Oakwood mutiny continues.

Citing intelligence reports, Defense Secretary Eduardo Ermita said a group is planning to conduct "Part 2" of the failed Oakwood mutiny should the Supreme Court rule against actor Fernando Poe, Jr., the opposition’s presidential candidate, whose citizenship is being questioned by several petitioners.

In Manila, Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye also downplayed the threat, saying the loyalty of the military and the police is given.

"The people are firmly behind our democratic system, considering the fact that the election is barely two months away," he said.

PAGADIAN City--President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo outlined here today her three-pronged approach to the economic development of Mindanao.

In a press briefing during a break in her campaign sortie in Pagadian City, the President identified the three basic policies encompassing her administrative agenda for Southern Philippines. These are peace and development, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, and respect of the cultural diversity in Mindanao.

The Chief Executive also cited the strong foreign support being given to the Philippine government’s peace and development initiatives, especially in Muslim areas, by such states as Malaysia, Indonesia, Libya, the Organization of Islamic Conference, the United States and Norway.

In the same press conference at the Camila Hotel here, Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo unwrapped a $30-million (roughly P1.65 billion) financial assistance from the Italian government to bankroll agrarian reform projects in Mindanao.

The President said Italy’s financial grant would also boost the government’s peace initiatives and economic development thrusts in Muslim areas in the South.

Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Margarita Poliver was part of President Macapagal-Arroyo’s official delegation here.

Poliver said her government is eyeing three Muslim-dominated areas in Mindanao—Lanao del Sur, Buliok-Buliok Complex in Pikit, Maguindanao and Saranggani--as principal beneficiaries of the financial aid."

For his part, Agriculture Secretary Luis "Cito" Lorenzo said the funds would be allocated for government projects and peace efforts in agrarian reform communities (ARCs) in Muslim areas.

PAGADIAN CITY—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today said that Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Minita Chico Nazario has important matters to attend to and has to stay at the Sandiganbayan for sometime.

"With regards to Justice Nazario, there is a clamor for her to finish some of the more important issues regarding the Estrada case, which she is handling. So I’m giving her some time with regard to that," the President said today in a press conference here.

Nazario is chairperson of the Sandiganbayan’s Special Division created by the Supreme Court to try the plunder and graft charges against former President Joseph Estrada.