The Philippine labor and employment situation has dramatically stabilized over the past three years under the leadership of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

This was reported over the weekend by Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) who said the government has generated a record 5.8 million jobs since January 2001 when President Macapagal-Arroyo took over the reins of government.

The figure represented 65 percent growth from the 3.5 million jobs created under the Estrada administration.

"I am not wont to compare, but critics of the President always harp on the issue of employment. Our record can be defended in Plaza Miranda," Sto. Tomas stressed.

She said local employment accounted for the highest increase at 3.17 million compared to only one million registered by the Estrada government.

Sto. Tomas noted that industrial peace also improved substantially under President Macapagal-Arroyo’s watch, with only 36 labor strikes taking place in 2002, the lowest in 21 years in terms of annual average.

The record, however, was achieved in 2001-2003 with only 39 strikes compared to 70 in 1998 to 2000 and 104 in 1992 to 1997.

In terms of wages, Sto. Tomas said data of the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) showed that the workers’ average nominal wage of P270.78 under the present dispensation is 29.2 percent higher than the average of P209.65 during the Estrada administration.

On the other hand, the volume of displaced workers also went down by 26.7 percent during the fourth quarter of last year compared to the same period last year.

"This validates our earlier report that the employment situation is not that worse off, but has been in fact improving," the Labor chief said.

In absolute terms, the number of workers who lost their jobs either due to retrenchment or shop closures and other economic reasons totaled 12,914 compared to the year ago level of 17,609.

Sto. Tomas pointed out that the dislocated workers received government assistance through her department’s various programs and services.

She said the Bureau of Local Employmen (BLE), for instance, has provided skills training, facilitated wage and employment assistance and gave counseling and guidance to 29,657 displaced workers during the fourth quarter of 2003.

TACLOBAN CITY – Governor Remedios Petilla has assured President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, on the eve of her barnstorming in Leyte, of a lopsided victory in the province.

The Leyte governor said that 41 towns and two cities are solidly behind President Macapagal-Arroyo’s bid for a six-year term in the May 10 elections.

"Leyte is a GMA country, we have been long waiting for the President’s visit," Petilla said. Thousands of Leytenos are expected to give the President a warm welcome when she visits Ormoc, Carigara and Tacloban tomorrow, she added.

President Macapagal-Arroyo was scheduled to arrive in Tacloban last Saturday to open the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) meet, but the trip was cancelled due to Typhoon Butchoy. Her sortie was reset for Tuesday in time for the closing ceremony of EVRAA meet.

Earlier, the opposition Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KNP) had claimed Leyte as a bailiwick of its presidential candidate Fernando Poe, Jr.

In what could be the best testimony yet to the approval of the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s health programs, including the distribution of PhilHealth cards, doctors all over the country recently gave her a runaway victory in a mock polls conducted recently at the Westin Philippine Plaza.

Out of 519 votes cast, 219 voted for the President or 42.2 percent, which was more than double the votes of Raul Roco, who got 105 or 20.2 percent.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson placed third with 65 votes, Bro. Eddie Villanueva, was fourth with 28, while actor Fernando Poe, Jr., was fifth with only 12 votes.

The mock polls were conducted upon registration of the medical practitioners who came all over the country for a conference in the fields of cardiology, endocrinology, surgery, rheumatology, pulmonology, nephrology, oncology, ophthalmology, and pediatrics.

Based on the regional vote, the President topped all but one region –Central Luzon – her home but beat Roco in Bicol.

Interestingly, Poe got zero in Eastern Visayas and Northern Mindanao. He registered his biggest vote in Metro manila where he got four.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo announced today the creation of an anti-terrorism superbody even as she called for continued public vigilance against terrorist acts.

Speaking at the 107^th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Army at Fort Bonifacio in Makati City, the President warned that "terrorism can strike anytime, anywhere."

The Chief Executive also said she has instructed the Cabinet oversight committee headed by Executive Secretary Alberto Romulo to organize the anti-terrorism superbody with representatives from various pertinent government agencies.

Defense Secretary Eduardo Ermita has been designated as overall coordinator of the multi-agency task force that would include elements of the military, the police, the National Bureau of Investigation and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency.

"I have already asked (former) President Fidel V. Ramos, Senate President Franklin Drilon and Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr. to act as advisers to this task force," Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo said.

"Through the anti-terrorism task force, we shall further combine and consolidate all the resources and expertise that you need to fight terror," the President said.

She noted that while public vigilance has so far been successful there is still the need to "protect our gains and our durable security."

President Macapagal-Arroyo also said the government’s peace initiatives with the communist guerrillas and Muslim separatists have been gaining ground.

The public can very well expect better quality service from the bureaucracy soon.

This, after the government and various government unions signed a major agreement today providing for a regime of enhanced quality service to the public as well as a number of enhanced benefits for government employees.

The signing, held at the Heroes Hall of Malacaņang, coincided with the 107^th anniversary of the Office of the President.

Representatives of various unions, including those from the Philippine Government Employees Association, the largest group headed by its president Esperanza Ocampo, were present at the occasion, which was preceded by a mass.

Deputy Presidential Spokesman Ricardo Saludo said in a press briefing that the agreement aims to provide government employees, among other things, higher per diem for domestic travel, targeted increase for salaries and other enhanced services like the construction of facilities for government employees’ use whenever they are in Manila for seminars and meetings.

Undaunted by insinuations of a supposed "sweetheart deal" with the Lopez-owned Maynilad Water Services, Inc., President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo went on with her usual business of bringing clean, potable water to waterless communities, saying the end beneficiaries are the people, not any vested interests.

Speaking at the Patubig project launching at Barangay Gulod in Novaliches, Quezon City this morning, the President said the government had only the interest of the public in mind when it decided to take over the water utility firm.

"Kung anumang pera ang pinag-uusapan nila , hindi yong doon sa isang may-ari pupunta iyon, doon sa MWSS at Maynilad na tinurn-over ng MWSS at iyon ang mag-iinvest dito sa mga linyang kinakailangan ninyo (Whatever money they are talking about, it will not go to any particular owner of Maynilad but to the MWSS which will in turn invest in the water lines that you need)," she stressed.

Malacanang has been criticized for the planned takeover, with some sector’s insinuation that it was a bailout in exchange for some political favors.

The Palace, however, quickly denied the allegations, saying it smacks of political color.

Presidential Campaign Spokesman Mike Defensor, in an earlier radio interview, urged the opposition not to inject politics in the decision, saying the planned takeover is still subject to approval by the court and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The President revealed that the government had won a case in Europe and will use the money for the rehabilitation of Maynilad to ensure continuity in the water services under the Patubig ni Gloria program which has already benefited thousands of waterless households in Metro Manila.

The water project in Barangay Gulod is expected to serve 8,000 families who have been longing for clean drinking water.

The President learned of their plight when she visited Barangay Sta.Monica recently. She immediately sent water tanks last Wednesday, March 17.

The Chief Executive, who is seeking a full term in the coming polls, then urged the residents who came out in full force for the launching not to forget what her administration has done to solve their water woes.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today lauded the National Anti-Kidnapping Task Force (NAKTAF) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) for capture of two wanted kidnappers.

The two arrested kidnappers, included in the top 24 in the NAKTAF Order of Battle, were presented to the President at the Officers Club of the Philippine Army in Fort Bonifacio by NAKTAF chief Angelo Reyes.

Presented to the President and the media were Number 6 Feliciano Laygo and Number 13 Amrodin Makasilang aka Ambrudin Macasilang.

Laygo was captured in Barangay Lagalag in Tiaong, Quezon last March 19, 2004. He holds a P500,000 bounty on his head and was responsible for a string of kidnapping operations, including one in 1999 and four in 2003.

Among his victims were Sonny Tan, kidnapped last August 1999, Mason Ang (April 03, 2003), Petronila Lanting (April 30, 2003), Danilo Tiu (May 23, 2003) and Rubilyn Chua in August 23, 2003.

The President acknowledged the contribution of ABS-CBN media man Julius Babao and Public Attorney’s Office chief Persida Acosta for the surrender of Macasilang to elements of NAKTAF and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Marawi City.

Macasilang, the Number 13 kidnapper in the NAKTAF Order of Battle, has also a P500,000 reward money. He was allegedly involved in the kidnapping of Lourdes Santiago last October 21, 2002 in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Philippine Army (PA) chief Lt. Gen. Efren Abu renewed today his unit’s loyalty to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and to the Constitution, saying another adventurism in their ranks would never be tolerated.

The pledge of loyalty to the Commander in Chief was made in conjunction with the PA’s observance of its 107^th anniversary held at Fort Bonifacio in Makati City

Abu assured the President of their unwavering support to her government and resolve to fight for the country’s democracy which was being attacked by some misguided soldiers.

"With each passing day, we will reiterate our loyalty to our constitutional duties. Military adventurism, which only forwards selfish political and personal aims, shall not be tolerated," Abu said.

Abu also warned the troops not to allow themselves to be used by self-serving intentions or face heavy sanctions under his leadership.

He promised the President that the ranks would always turn their back on divisiveness, and would continue serving the people and fulfilling their solemn duty of preserving national dignity and personal freedom.

The Army commander also disclosed that the main reason for the failure of military adventurism was the professionalism and steadfast loyalty of majority of the soldiers to their sworn duties.

"With these goals in mind, I implore the support of our retirees in the military institution. You are the best role models for our officers and the entire force. The endless lines of your achievements during your tours of duty are part of the Army’s legacy. You have the power to address the increasing concerns for military professionalism. Let us help one another and set aside our personal affiliations for the common good," Abu said.

He also batted for civilian cooperation and patience in the light of reforms being instituted in the military establishment.

This year’s Gold Cross Medal awardee, Lt. Col. Ricardo Nepomuceno, was cited for his exceptionally meritorious and invaluable service rendered in a position of major responsibility as Commanding Officer of the 80^th Infantry Battalion, 2^nd Infantry Division during the failed coup attempt launched by the young officers of Magdalo group at the Oakwood Premier Hotel in Makati City.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today asserted that the reported scrapping of Dolphy’s sitcom program on ABS-CBN was purely a corporate decision of the network’s management and has nothing to do with politics.

This developed as ABS-CBN management admitted that it had a preliminary discussion with the comedian on "Home Along Da Airport" show.

The network declined to elaborate, but said it was up to Dolphy whether or not to make public the results of the talks or parts thereof.

In an interview with ABS-CBN host Korina Sanchez, the President stressed that she would not be dragged into the mudslinging tactics being employed by the political opposition.

In belying the allegations, Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo said she has nothing against Dolphy who openly campaigns for actor Fernando Poe Jr., her closest rival in the forthcoming presidential elections.

"I don’t even have time to watch television," the Chief Executive pointed out.

She also cited that some entertainment personalities were fully supporting her candidacy, mainly because of the government initiatives in protecting and improving the local film industry under her leadership.

Among them is the creation of a Film Development Board, the tax exemptions granted to theaters, incentives to industry players who attained excellence and the government’s vigorous drive against film piracy.

Brushing aside insinuations on alleged corruption in the bureaucracy, the President dared her critics to back up their claims with hard evidence instead of engaging in mere publicity stunts.