President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assured the people today the Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Gen. Narciso Abaya, "is on top" of the latest incident of "partisan exploitation of military adventurism," and that "there is no cause for alarm."

The President said, in a statement, said that "no untoward developments have been monitored and a widespread plot is not indicated" after the arrest Wednesday night by military operatives of six junior officers, with the rank of captain, who are now undergoing interrogation.

The six captains of an underground group, called "Kawal," allegedly met in a residence south of Metro Manila and hatched a plot for a televised call to action to other military officers, Presidential Spokesman Ignacio R. Bunye said in a radio interview this morning.

Bunye said, however, that the captains’ plot to create public disturbance and to egg on fellow military officers to action, was effectively neutralized by the Armed Forces.

President Macapagal-Arroyo said, "The AFP will impose the commensurate level of discipline against its erring members, and the Department of Justice shall file charges against those found culpable."

"We will deal sternly with violations of the chain of command, and soldiers’ involvement in partisan activities," she said, adding that her administration "upholds military professionalism."

In his radio interview, Bunye said that the plotters’ TV call to action was supposed to be followed by a series of advertisements in newspapers serving as a signal for simultaneous mass actions.

"Sila ay ini-imbestigahan ng awtoridad ngayon dahil nga ito ay isang pagtatangka na kumbaga ay mag-agitate ng tao (They are now undergoing interrogation by authorities because this is an attempt to agitate the people)," he said.

The Presidential Spokesman allayed fears of the public, saying everything is under control because the plotters have been pre-empted.

"Ang importante rito, ang ganitong pagtatangka ng mga misguided na elemento ay hindi magtatagumpay (What is important here is that attempts by misguided elements such as these will not succeed)," he said.

Bunye said the fact that the plot has been nipped in the bud should serve as a reminder to the majority of those in the military to remain loyal to the Constitution and follow the chain of command.

Bunye said the call for the resignation of Defense Secretary Eduardo Ermita for allegedly ordering the monitoring of opposition presidential candidates, is just a front to hide their real motives, which is to sow dissent.

"Alam naman natin na walang pinag-uutos si Secretary Ermita na labag sa batas. Ang katunayan nga ay si Secretary Ermita came out with a directive na lahat ng miyembro ng Armed Forces should stay away from any partisan activities. Ang kanilang partisipasyon sa eleksiyon ay iyong pagboto lamang (We all know that Secretary Ermita has never made those illegal orders. Fact is, he came out with a directive that AFP members should stay away from partisan politics. Their only participation in the election should be to vote only)," he said.

Malacaņang today declared "a period of national mourning" for the late Vice President Salvador H. Laurel, who died of lymphoma Wednesday at Atherton, California.

Under Proclamation No. 544, signed by Executive Secretary Alberto Romulo by authority of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, government buildings and installations, at home and abroad, are to fly the Philippine flag at half-mast for seven days, from January 29, 2004 up to the day of his funeral.

The proclamation hailed Vice President Laurel as "a patriot and gentleman," who "had devoted most of his life to selfless, dedicated and sincere service to our country and our people."

"The flag shall remain at half-mast at the edifices of the Office of the Vice President, the Philippine Senate, House of Representatives and the Department of Foreign Affairs even beyond seven days until the date of former Vice President Laurel’s funeral," it said.

Aside from having served as vice president under President Corazon C. Aquino dismantling of the martial law regime in l986, Laurel, 75, had also been elected senator and served as foreign affairs secretary.

"It is fitting to set aside a period of national mourning," the proclamation said, "to honor a Filipino statesman, who during his public service, had gained prestige for the Republic and provided service of lasting benefit to the Filipino people."

The President had earlier directed Romulo to inform the Laurel family of her administration’s plan to provide a state funeral for the late vice president.

The President was cited for her authorship of 55 laws that contributed to the country’s economic and social progress. She was also recognized for her achievements in the executive branch that helped the economy in general and the disadvantaged sectors in particular.

The school also cited the Chief Executive for her valuable contribution in the enactment of various Philippine laws on government programs and for her scholarly achievement as an educator.

"This is another case of partisan exploitation of military adventurism. The AFP will impose the commensurate level of discipline against its airy members and the Department of Justice shall file charges against those found culpable," the President said.

In a radio interview, Defense Secretary Eduardo Ermita also denied the allegation of the group, who called themselves "Kawal" (Soldier), that he is actively involved as campaign manager of the administration ticket.

"Hindi naman totoo at akin namang itinanggi na ako’y merong role diyan sa pagiging tinatawag na campaign manager ng administration. Lahat yan ay kasinungalingan at hindi ko alam iyong isyu (It is not true and I have denied my so-called role as campaign manager of the administration. All of these are lies and I don’t know what they are talking about," Ermita said.

The group has accused Ermita of "politicizing" the military and ordering the monitoring of the political opponents of the President. They called for Ermita’s resignation.

Ermita said that the group could have aired their grievances in the proper forum like at the Commission on Appointments (CA) where they could have presented their so-called charges against him.

He said that it is very clear that the group was just after publicity. "Kaya, sinasabi ko gumagawa lang sila ng sariling eksena (That’s why, I’m saying that they are just making their own scenario)," Ermita said.

The Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (FEJODAP) and Organisasyon ng Manggagawang Mag-aangat sa Republica (OMMAR-OFW Labor Party List) recently forwarded letters to Malacaņang thanking President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the help she has been extending them.

On behalf of the members of FEJODAP, chairperson and national president Zenaida de Castro Maranan thanked the President in helping them find a solution to the operator-driver problem in the Monumento to Munoz line.

She also assured the President of the continued support of her group for the administration’s programs and policies.

OMMAR-OFW Party List, headed by Mohd. Omar A. Fajardo who represents the seven million overseas Filipino workers in the 10^th Congress, has a membership of 300,000 all over the country.

Fajardo acknowledged his organization has benefited from what the President has been doing for every sector of society.

Fajardo lauded the President for her stand against the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for subpoenaing 30 Filipino telecom executives attending the Pacific Telecom Conference in Honolulu recently.

"President GMA was right. We need no less than an official apology from the Americans in this particular case if only to show that our respect in terms of international policy is reciprocated," Fajardo said.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Director General Hermogenes Ebdane, today said the support of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the community has been their inspiration to work harder and better in protecting the peace and enforcing the law.

At the 13th PNP anniversary in Camp Crame, where the President was the guest of honor, Ebdane said the year 2003 has been a lucky year for the PNP despite some eventful incidents because of three things.

"First, the uncompromising stance of our Commander in Chief whose faith in our capability and our discipline inspired us to work harder and better," Ebdane said.

Second, Ebdane said, is the "indomitable spirit" of the men and women of the PNP "who faced bullets, brickbats and bomb threats with no fear."

And third, Ebdane said, is the "inspiring support of the community" through texted information, donations of equipment, "and full cooperation at every turn."

"What makes 2003 even more noteworthy are the milestones that concretize just how focused our Commander in Chief has been in leading the way and how determined our police force has been to deliver safer streets and more peaceful communities," Ebdane said.

With strict marching orders from the President, Ebdane said they have made noteworthy and even record accomplishments in the fight against illegal drugs, terrorism, kidnapping, street crimes, and illegal gambling.

Ebdane reported to the President that P13 billion worth of shabu and ephedrine and 16 clandestine laboratories and warehouses were shut down.

Against terrorism, Ebdane reported the arrest and neutralization of key personalities of the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah, including Mukhlis Yunos and Taufek Refke.

On kidnapping, Ebdane said they have neutralized four most wanted kidnappers and more than 140 suspects in kidnapping incidents that translate to a 79 percent solution efficiency rating.

Against street crimes, Ebdane said there has been a 83 percent decrease in the number of incidents in the National Capital Region (NCR), the center of concentration of such crimes.

Ebdane said a determined campaign against illegal gambling also resulted in "91.5 percent no jueteng nationwide."

"Madam President, your directive was clear: Address the peace and order concerns of our citizens particularly in these five areas. Orders were given, and your police force delivered," Ebdane said.

In her speech, the President lauded the PNP for being the true protectors of the people and its achievements on various fronts.

"As protector of the people I have much to congratulate you today," the President said.

For the past year, the President said the PNP, teaming up with the National Anti-Kidnapping Task Force (NAKTAF), has closed down an unprecedented number of clandestine shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) laboratories and warehouses, including an unprecedented total haul of illegal drugs amounting to billions.

"You have an unprecedented achievement in our fight against illegal drugs," the President said.

The President said the PNP have made more than 20,000 arrests "including the biggest drug lord of them all, the number one drug lord, William Gan."

Aside from drugs, the President said the PNP made "equally spectacular achievement" on the anti-kidnapping front.

The President also thanked the PNP for upholding the Constitution and defending the Republic.

"I congratulate the policemen for defending the Republic not only against terrorism, kidnappers, drug lords but also against those who go against the government as what the PNP have shown during the Oakwood mutiny)," the President said in Pilipino.

The President was welcomed during the arrival honors and presentation of troops by Interior and Local Governments Secretary Jose Lina Jr. and Ebdane.

The President was also assisted by Ebdane during the presentation of plaques of recognition and special meritorious awards to some 30 organic and non-organic personnel of the PNP, including non-government organizations (NGOs).

The President also awarded housing grants to the families of four policemen killed in action.

The celebration, themed "Pulisya at Pamayanan: Kapit-Bisig sa Matatag na Republika," was capped by the pass-in-review and the presentation of a memento to the President.

The top police and military officials were led by Ebdane and AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Narciso Abaya.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today announced that the country’s gross national product (GNP) under her watch grew by 5.5 percent in 2003.

The President’s announcement of the GNP growth was based on a report submitted to Malacaņang by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB).

GNP refers to the total value of goods and services produced within and outside the country for a given period.

Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo expressed elation that the GNP growth over the past three years of her administration was much higher than in the previous three years.

"We need to continue this trend, this uptrend in growth in order to have a sustained basis for uplifting the condition of the average Filipino," she added.

The Chief Executive cited the "robust recovery in private investments and the upbeat consumption of Filipino families" among the main contributory factors to the GNP growth.

She also noted the contribution of the overseas Filipino workers who, she said, had increased their total income again in 2003.

The "strong economic growth" under her watch, she said, vindicates her administration’s tight control over government expenditures that resulted in a reduced national government deficit in 2003.

She noted that government expenditures in year 2003, adjusted for inflation, were in fact lower than in the previous year despite perception of election spending.

"As we reduced the deficit, we eased off pressures on domestic interest rates, which was essential to the growth in private sector investment, which, in turn, contributed much to the 5.5 percent of the GNP growth," the President said.

A survey conducted this month among members of the prestigious Makati Business Club (MBC) showed President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as "best fit and most capable" of resolving challenges and issues that the country is presently facing.

The MBC survey showed that the President got the nod from 47.6 percent of the respondents while former Sen. Raul Roco got 29.3 percent.

Only 4.9 percent of the respondents named Sen. Panfilo Lacson as capable or fit to run the country while another 4.9 percent named others. Ten percent of the respondents did not choose any of the presidential candidates.

The MBC said that opposition candidate and movie star Fernando Poe, Jr. received no votes while Brother Eddie Villanueva of the Jesus is Lord movement had not yet been short-listed by the Commission on Election at the start of the survey period.

Based on the survey results, the country’s top businessmen believe that the next president should immediately address the following issues: peace and order (62.2 percent), graft and corruption (31.7 percent), revenues, public debt and the fiscal deficit (28.0 percent), the economy (19.5 percent) and attracting investments (17.1 percent)

Respondents made their choices on the most capable person based on these issues.

Asked to name the top three positive developments during the past six months of 2003, a plurality of 33 percent did not cite a single one, the first time it happened in the survey.

When asked on the positive developments under the Macapagal-Arroyo administration during the past six months, 15 percent of the respondents cited the reduction of the fiscal deficit, 13 percent cited the government’s campaign against illegal drugs and 12 percent opted for the low inflation rates.

Founded in l981, the Makati Business Club is composed of over 800 chief executive officers and senior executives representing almost 450 of the largest and most dynamic corporations in the Philippines.

The administrative staff, members of the faculty, employees and students of Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) today assured President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of their support in the coming May 10 elections.

"We the administration, faculty, employees and students of Our Lady of Fatima University welcome you. We welcome you not only for today, not only in our hearts, but in our minds too and we shall remember you always, especially, this coming May," OLFU President Dr. Juliet Olivares-Santos told the President which was greeted by thunderous applause from the students.

The President was given a warm welcome by the student body as they acknowledged and thanked her for the P500 million "study now, pay later" program, also know n as Student Assistance Fund for Education for a Strong Republic (SAFE 4 SR).

The President motored to OLFU to present her SAFE 4 SR program. "I am here today with you to observe the student orientation as part of my supervision of my priority projects," the Chief Executive said.

Santos has only kind words in expressing their appreciation to the Presodent’s latest program designed to support financially strapped students so that they can finish their college education.

The OLFU president also said that it’s orientation program was historic because it was the first time that a President visited the campus.

To show their support for the President, confetti rained inside OLFU as President Macapagal-Arroyo entered the campus and was greeted by chants of "PGMA! PGMA!"

Santos also gave a new meaning for GMA, as "Genuine, Meaningful Aspirations."

Malacanang today announced the appointment of lawyer Raphael Perpetuo M. Lotilla as the new president of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) Corporation.

The appointment papers of Lotilla, also known as "Popoy," were signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on January 26. He replaced Edgardo M. del Fonso who has resigned for health reasons.

His term will take effect immediately upon transmittal of his appointment to the Department of Energy.

Lotilla is presently deputy director general with the rank of Undersecretary at the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

He is also currently a professor of law at the University of the Philippines College of Law, specializing in international law, corporation law, government control of businesses. He obtained his bachelor of laws degree at the UP in 1984 and passed the bar examination in 1985.

Prior to joining the government, Lotilla served as legal consultant to various Senate presidents and the Senate committee on foreign relations.

He is also the coordinator of the Philippine Council for Sustainable Development and supervisor of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council Secretariat since 1996.

Lotilla actively participated as the Executive Branch’s representative in the enactment by Congress of Republic Act No. 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.

Faced with veteran journalists who were eager to know her program of government for the next six years, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was just too willing to oblige them.

"Things that the ordinary Filipino wants: jobs, low prices, livelihood, housing, health, education," the President ticked them off one by one as she made the most of her intimate meeting today with the members of Samahang Plaridel, Inc. at the Ramos Room of Malacaņang.

The President had earlier inducted into office the charter officers and directors of the group, an association of veteran journalists and communicators that aims to propagate the ideals of Marcelo H. del Pilar.

Inducted at the Aguinaldo Room of the Palace were Maximo V. Soliven, chairman; Neal Cruz and Adrian Cristobal, vice chairmen; Julius Fortuna, vice president; Diosdado Beltran, secretary; Alejandro Liu, treasurer; Cresencio Maralit, auditor; and Lilia Andolong, director.

The other officers of Samahang Plaridel but who were unable to attend the induction were Rolando Estabillo, president, who is in the United States; Rodolfo T. Reyes, executive vice president; Isagani Yambot and Benjamin Rodriguez, vice presidents; Jullie Yap Daza, Cris Icban Jr. and Carmen Guerrero Nakpil, directors.

"I want the ordinary Filipino to have his aspiration. And I want those needs supplied. That’s my goal," she told the group after the induction.

Plaridel was the pen name of Marcelo H. del Pilar, one of the great figures of the Philippine Propaganda Movement, the heroic group whose writings inspired the Philippine revolution.

He was chosen patron saint of the group as his life and works prized freedom of thought and opinion most highly. Dying in abject poverty, del Pilar chose independence above any material gain.

Samahang Plaridel aims to foster within its capacity mutual help, cooperation and assistance among its members.

In line with Plaridel’s ideology of truth, fairness and impartiality anchored on democratic principles, Samahang Plaridel members are dedicated to the journalistic standards of accuracy and truth and will strive to promote these standards in the practice of journalism.

Membership to the association is by invitation. All applications for membership shall be endorsed to and approved by the board of directors.