This is a welcome news for mango exporters and growers from all over the Philippines. Prospects of a hefty hike in Philippine mango exports to Guam and Hawaii look good.

It will take some time, like maybe a year, but the indications are there for the country’s minimal 400 metric tons of mango exports to the US to experience a multiple growth.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now seriously considering the entry of mangoes from all regions of the Philippines, not only from the certified mango seed weevil (MSW)-free island of Guimaras but from the other provinces in the country, according to USDA agricultural counselor David Miller.

The USDA said US quarantine agency Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is studying the request of the Philippines for entry of its mangoes, not only from Guimaras, to Guam and Hawaii, Miller added.

The response to the Philippine request can turn out to be positive, Wilhelmina Santos, an officer at the APHIS local office, said.

Reason is that Guam and Hawaii admittedly have the MSW disease, being located in the seed weevil belt of the Pacific.

"This has already put in for consideration. And we have already followed it up, and yes, it’s quite positive," Santos said of the prospects.

APHIS is still reviewing the proposal, Santos said, but noted that the exports of Philippine mangoes will no longer need the usually rigorous pest risk analysis (PRA) enforced before, even with Guimaras mangoes.

However, it may take sometime before the Philippines can actually export mangoes from all regions, Santos added.

"It will take time. It will need the amendment of the Federal rule, but of course it will not take years. Maybe next year," Santos said.

The growth of mango exports will be significant, Santos said, considering that 80 percent of the Philippine mango exports to the US goes to Guam. In the first nine months of 2003, the Philippines exported 102 metric tons of mangoes to the US mainland compared to 289 metric tons to Guam.

NAGA CITY – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is expected to receive warm welcome today in this heart of Bicolandia, considered a bailiwick of opposition presidential candidate Raul Roco.

The President will fly to Naga City this afternoon to address a national convention of the League of Prosecutors of the Philippines.

Presidential Political Spokesman Michael Defensor said, in a radio interview this morning, that a large number of political leaders, including six governors and at least 10 congressmen from the Bicol provinces, have gathered in Naga City in a show of unity with and support for the President.

Defensor said that the Bicolano political leaders and residents warmly welcome the President not only because she frequently visits the Bicol provinces, but also because she has provided the region with major public works projects, like a port, roads and bridges.

"Madalas na sinasabi ng mga gobernador, ‘yong anim na tumutulong sa Pangulo, ang dami nating Bicolano sa Senado, pero hindi natin nakita ‘yong pagbabago at pag-unlad (It has been said by the six governors helping the President, we have elected many Bicol natives to the Senate, but we have not seen any change or progress," he said.

On November 5, 2003, Governors Al Francis Bichara of Albay, Jesus Ong Typoco of Camarines Norte, Luis Villafuerte of Camarines Sur, Raul Lee of Sorsogon, Antonio Kho of Masbate and Leandro Verceles, Jr. of Catanduanes joined the ruling party Lakas Christian Muslim Democrats.

My support for Frank Drilon as Senate President is firm and beyond any political compromise.

The obvious effort to drive a wedge between us is futile and will never succeed.

We trust the Comelec and the Supreme Court and we believe that we can obtain justice in these tribunals.

We are confident that we will be vindicated in the face of the slew of charges against us, and that our service to the people and to the nation will be upheld.

The government has acted reasonably on the demand for a fare increase after the needed consultations with the public.

We will continue the dialogue with the transport sector and we appeal for prudence and sobriety.

Let us not aggravate the difficulties of our people and let us show that we can be one behind their welfare.

We are ready for any eventuality that may come up in connection with the transport strike under the rule of law and maximum tolerance.

I am confident that the remaining days before the May 10 polls are ample time for the Comelec to finish all preparations for clean, honest and orderly polls.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has been advocating a humane treatment for deposed former President Joseph Estrada ever since her first State of the Nation Address in 2001.

This, the President emphasized in her recent television interview with newspaperman Max Soliven by way of debunking claims that her recent humane action on Estrada was meant to gain political advantage.

"I said it as a principle in my State of the Nation Address in 2001," she said. "Sabi ko, alang-alang sa napakaraming tinatanaw ang situwasyon ni Estrada bilang larawan ng kanilang sariling pagka-api (I said that this is for the sake of those who see the fate of Estrada as their own fate)."

The President admitted that she met with Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal when she visited Cebu Friday.

She hastened to add, however, that it's not only now that Cardinal Vidal has requested her to extend a more humane treatment to Estrada.

"No, not today, pero noon pa talaga. Si Cardinal Vidal ang isa doon sa nag-encourage sa akin (He asked me even before. He was the one who encouraged me)," the President said.

She recalled that she didn’t specifically remember him mentioning house arrest.

"Pero noong mga unang panahon, mga Mayo o Abril, noong bagong preso pa lang si Pangulong Estrada, siya yung isa doon sa nag-alok sa akin na siguro dapat bisitahin ko si Estrada (About, April or May when Estrada was just new in jail, he was one of those who advised me to visit the former President)," she said.

The President, who did visit Estrada at his then detention cell in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, said she had always maintained that humane treatment should be accorded the former President while on trial.

BACOLOD CITY – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo lauded youth leaders Monday for supporting her administration’s initiatives to solve the problem of illegal drugs.

Keynoting the Y2004 Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) National Congress at Bacolod Convention Plaza, the President acknowledged the vital role of the youth sector in bringing the fight against drug menace to the barangay level.

President Macapagal-Arroyo also noted the coordination between SK National Federation president Ariel Joseph Arcillas and Interior and Local Government Jose Lina Jr. on the anti-drug war.

Under her administration, she said, "we now have one of the strongest anti-drug laws in the whole world."

She said that as a result, "we have had unprecedented number of raids and unprecedented number of arrests of drug lords and convictions."

The Chief Executive said that part of this success "is because you, the SK, you, the youth, are helping us win the battle against drugs all the way to the barangay level."

Aside from the campaign against drugs, the President also stressed the need for her "Education for All" program that will benefit the youth. "No to Drugs, Yes to Education," she spoke of her plans, if given a new mandate in the May 10 elections.

President Macapagal-Arroyo also said that she would implement an unprecedented program of naming one scholar for every indigent family.

According to the President, based on records of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, there are 5 million poor PhilHealth cardholders, with another 2 million cardholders belonging to very poor families.

Arcillas handed a copy of the 2002 – 2004 SK Accomplishment Report to President Macapagal-Arroyo, who is the SK Honorary National Chairperson Emeritus.

During the ceremony, National Youth Commission (NYC) chairperson Paolo Benigno Aquino launched the Search for Outstanding SK Achievement and Recognition Awards (OSKAR) to honor SK leaders who show exemplary public service in their respective communities.

Aquino also reported to President Macapagal-Arroyo that the old 1998 – 2004 Medium-Term Youth Development Plan had been completed and that, presently, the NYC and SKNF are formulating the Medium-Term Youth Development Plan for years 2005 – 2010.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Lina, Press Secretary Milton Alingod, Presidential Campaign Spokesman Michael Defensor, Aquino and Presidential Assistant for Youth Affairs Dennis Cunanan accompanied the President to the affair.

Among the local officials who attended the program were Negros Occidental Vice Governor Isidro Zayco, Bacolod City Mayor Luzviminda Valdez, Congressman Monico Puentevella and other elected officials.

In no uncertain terms, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today vowed to dismantle all terrorist cells in the Philippines as she announced the capture of four Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists and the seizure of a cache of explosives preempting what she described as a Madrid-type of attack in Metro Manila.

In a press conference at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City before flying to Camarines Sur for an official speaking engagement, the President said that the Philippines is "quietly but persistently and consistently and ploddingly" building up the intelligence networks in going after terrorist cells in the country and that "we are now reaping the catch."

"Let no one and no nation underestimate our determination to finish off the Abu Sayyaf, the Jemaah Islamiyah and the Al Qaeda cells in the country," the President stressed, obliquely referring to a report by a Washington-based group that included the Philippines as among those harboring and aiding terrorists.

The President said that her administration is determined to see to it that these terror groups would not threaten our people, adding that even if "our nation is safer now, we must never relax our vigilance."

"For each accomplishment, let us multiply our alertness tenfold in partnership with our allies," the President.

The President said that the aim of the government, and with the help of American and foreign allies, is to make every Filipino family and every Filipino community safe at all times.

According to the President, the four Abu Sayyaf terrorists are now in custody and held without bail after they were arrested on the strength of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Erlinda Uy of Pasig City,

She said that seized from the four terrorists was a cache of some 80 pounds of TNT, which, according to intelligence reports, was intended to be used in bombing malls and trains in Metro Manila.

Gen. Ismael Rafanan, head of the PNP Intelligence Group, identified the suspects as Alhambser Manatad Limbong, who beheaded American hostage Guillermo Sobero and took part in the killing of a US serviceman during Baliktan exercise in Zamboanga City; Redondo Cain Dellosa, who trained under an Indonesian terrorist instructor; Abdurajid Lim, an ASG commando who participated in the Dos Palmas kidnapping incident; and Radsmar Sangkula, an ASG explosive trainer and participant in the abduction of 53 hostages in Sumahukom, Basilan in 2000.

The President said that the government has witnesses against those arrested and the cases against them "are strong and airtight."

She said that follow-up operations against the remnants of the Abu Sayyaf and other terror groups are ongoing. "They will be relentless as relentless as we started the hunt down after 9-11," the President said.

The President also lauded the intelligence community of the Philippine National Police, particularly Gen. Rafanan, head of the PNP Intelligence Group, and Col. Romeo Ricardo of the Anti-Terrorism Task Force.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo approved today the recommendation of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to increase the bounty of Abu Sayyaf leader Khadafy Janjalani from P5 million to P10 million for his speedy capture.

DILG Secretary Jose D. Lina made the announcement at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City this afternoon following the arrest of four notorious Abu Sayyaf members and the dismantling of the most dangerous urban commando cell of the terrorist group.

Lina also said that the President ordered the Marine Board of Inquiry to reopen the investigation of the Super Ferry 14 tragedy after one of the four arrested terrorists claimed responsibility for the bombing of the passenger ship recently.

He stressed that the President’s objective to reopen the Super Ferry 14 probe is to validate and determine the accuracy of the confession made by one of the arrested suspects.

Lina said the suspects are now facing serious charges of multiple murder. The four are temporarily confined at the new custodial center inside the premises of the Philippine National Police headquarters.

Chief Superintendent Ismael Rafanan, head of the PNP Intelligence Group, identified the suspects as Alhambser Manatad Limbong with aliases Limbong, Hassan, Sayyaf and Kosovo; Redondo Cain Dellosa alias Akmad Dellosa; Abdurajib Lim alias Abu Hanifa; and Radsmar Sangkula alias Michael Saavedra.

He said the four were arrested in two separate joint operations of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Makati City and Fairview in Quezon City.

Rafanan said Dellosa, an active member of the Abu Sayyaf who trained under an Indonesian Jemaah Islamiyah instructor and underwent training for explosives in Lanao Del Sur, was first arrested by the joint operatives of the PNP and AFP somewhere in Makati City over the weekend.

In a press briefing, Rafanan admitted that Dellosa claimed responsibility for the bombing of Super Ferry 14.

He added that Limbong, Lim and Sangkula were arrested yesterday somewhere in Fairview, Quezon City.

Rafanan told the media that Limbong was the second cousin of Khadafy Janjalani and the executioner of Sipadan kidnap victim Guillermo Sobero. He also participated in the Malagutay, Zamboanga City bombing that killed an American serviceman.

Lim was a member of ASG urban commando who was responsible for the killing of a certain Dr. Bernardino in Isabela City in Basilan and participated in the Dos Palmas kidnapping incident.

Sangkula was the ASG explosive trainor and participated in the abduction of 53 hostages in Sumahukom in Basilan sometime in 2000.

PNP Chief Director General Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr. assured the public that the PNP is now "ready to house the high security threat prisoners" inside their new custodial center.

Ebdane said some 100 trained personnel would guard the new PNP custodial center which conforms to the security requirements intended for detention of the high threat prisoners.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has warned erring transport operators of stiffer penalties for pushing their projected strikes even as the government explores all avenues toward a peaceful resolution of the fare hike issue.

This developed as President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo indicated that the authorities have prepared a contingency plan to cope with the two-day strike staged by a large group of jeepney drivers and operators.

"We will be ready for the strike. They will face the full force of the law. That will be strike two. They already had strike one and the government has been very understanding," LTFRB Chairman Elena Bautista stressed as she hinted at the revocation of franchises of the erring operators.

The President also maintained that the government has acted reasonably even as efforts to amicably resolve the issue are being exerted.

"We are ready for any eventuality that may come up in connection with the transport strike under the rule of law and maximum tolerance," the Chief Executive said in a statement released today by Malacanang.

Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo stressed, however, that negotiations would be pursued in a bid to attain a compromise settlement. "We will continue the dialogue with the transport sector and we appeal for prudence and sobriety," the President said.

She also called on the industry players to avoid making matters worse for the commuters.

"Let us not aggravate the difficulties of our people and let us show that we can be one behind their welfare," the President said.

"But we believe it will not go this far because all it takes is for the transport groups to be open to fair and principled negotiations," Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo stated.

Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye has also said the moderate groups of jeepney operators and drivers have decided against joining the strike.

PILI, Camarines Sur—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today signed Republic Act 9279 granting additional compensation for government prosecutors and state counsels.

The President signed the new law during the 16^th national convention of the 1,600-strong National Prosecutors' League of the Philippines held at the Pili Convention Center inside the provincial capitol grounds here.

The President said the law would make prosecutors and state counsels opt to remain in public service and attract more lawyers into the National Prosecution Service, which at present has a 37 percent vacancy rate.

Under the new law, all members of the National Prosecution Service, the Office of the Chief of State Counsel, and the undersecretaries who have direct supervision over prosecutors and state counsels in the Department of Justice (DOJ) would be granted special allowances to be sourced from the collection of fees and from the new fees prescribed by law.

"This law is an essential part of the strong start that my administration has been able to make in a short period of time on judicial reforms," the President said.

The President said that other judicial reforms include the adjustment of the judges' pay that was done earlier, the package of institutional measures strengthening the judiciary funded by the World Bank, and the new mediation law.

The President said the new mediation law stresses the role of prosecutors as mediators in disputes to unclog courts’ dockets.

She said the rule of law in the land relies on the prosecutors who champion the people's clamor for equality under the law.

The President said the prosecutors are also important to enforce peace, order, and stability "that made possible our pursuit, and the realization of our social and economic aspirations and the dream of every ordinary Filpino for a better life."

Senate Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan, principal sponsor and author of the bill, said the President herself certified the urgency of the bill to expedite its approval in Congress.

In an interview, Pangilinan estimated the increase to be around 40 percent of the basic salary of prosecutors, state counsels and undersecretaries.

After the signing of the new law, the President had a meeting with the local media at the function room of the convention center.

The President was scheduled to preside over a Pulong Bayan at the Eco Village also inside the Capitol Grounds before returning to Manila.

The President arrived at 1:40 p.m. at the Pili Airport here where she was warmly welcomed by thousands of residents led by Pili Mayor Tomas Bongalonta and the six governors in the Bicol region.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo vowed today to sustain the government’s anti-terrorism drive until all terrorist groups in the country have been eliminated.

The President issued the statement at a press briefing in Villamor Air Base in Pasay City shortly before she flew to Camarines Sur for a speaking engagement.

"Let no one and no nation underestimate our determination to finish off the Abu Sayyaf, the Jemaah Islamiyah and the Al Qaeda cells in the country," the Chief Executive stressed in an apparent swipe at a Washington-based group which accused the Philippines of harboring terrorists.

Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo said her administration is determined to neutralize all terrorist groups in the country.

"Although our country is safer now, we must never relax our vigilance," she added.

During the press briefing, President Macapagal-Arroyo announced the capture of four suspected Abu Sayyaf members and the seizure of a cache of explosives, preempting what she described as a "Madrid-type attack" in Metro Manila.

"For each accomplishment, let us multiply our alertness tenfold in partnership with our allies," the President said.

Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo also said the government, with the help of its foreign allies such as the United States, aims to make every Filipino family and community safe at all times.

The four suspected Abu Sayyaf members, now being held without bail, were arrested on the strength of a warrant issued by Judge Erlinda Uy of Pasig City.

Police operatives confiscated from the suspects some 80 pounds of dynamite which authorities believed was intended to blow up shopping malls and light rail transit systems in the metropolis.

Chief Superintendent Ismael Rafanan, head fo the Philippine National Police Intelligence Group, identified the suspects as Alhambser Manatad Limbong who allegedly beheaded American hostage Guillermo Sobero and took part in the killing of a US soldier during the Balikatan exercise in Zamboanga City, Redondo Cain Dellosa who trained under an Indonesian terrorist instructor, Abdurajid Lim, an Abyu Sayyaf senior leader who was implicated in the Dos Palmas mass kidnapping incident, and Radsmar Sangkula, an explosive expert who participated in the abduction of 53 hostages in Basilan four years ago.

PILI, Camarines Sur-- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today said the ongoing rehabilitation plan of the famed Bicol Express, the train service between Manila and Legazpi City, includes the extension of its service up to the province of Sorsogon.

During the Pulong Bayan at the Eco Village at the Capitol Grounds here, the President said the rehabilitation plan of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) for the Bicol region is already at the "pre-construction stage."

The President said this means that the feasibility study of the rehabilitation plan has already been approved by the foreign creditors and is just waiting the approval by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) before its implementation.

The President said she also envisions a commuter train service between Naga and Legazpi to further spur trade and commerce between the two cities, much like the Clark-Subic corridor.

At the Pulong Bayan attended by more than 1,000 farmers and fishermen in the province, the President also gave an additional P3 million for abaca research in the province.

Aside from rope, the President said there is an increasing demand for abaca which is being used in making security paper, parchment paper, and textiles.

She also said the Department of Energy (DOE) would help local farmers here settle their P14 million debt with the local electric cooperatives in the Bicol region.

The President said this could be offset by the P200 million obligations of electric cooperatives nationwide to the National Power Corporation (Napocor) that was earlier condoned by the government.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today raised the bounty for the capture of Abu Sayyaf chieftain Khadafy Janjalani from P5 million to P10 million in order to encourage more people to provide information that could lead to his arrest.

The increase was made upon recommendation of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jose Lina who announced the new reward offer during a press conference held at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City shortly before the President’s departure for Camarines Sur.

Four suspected members of the fundamentalist Abu Sayyaf group were presented to the media at the press briefing. One of the suspects, identified as Redondo Cain Dellosa alias Akmad Dellosa was tagged as the bomber of Super Ferry 14 which burned and capsized at the Manila Bay off Corregidor Island, killing over a hundred passengers and crew members.

The three other suspects were identified as Alhambsar Manatad Limbong, Abdurajib Lim and Radsmar Sangkula.

Lina said the suspects were arrested in two separate operations launched jointly by the police and the military in Makati City and in Fairview, Quezon City.

President Macapagal-Arroyo also ordered the Marine Board of Inquiry to reopen investigation of the Super Ferry incident in the light of Dellosa’s confession that he set off the bombs at the vessel.

Chief Superintendent Ismael Rafanan, head of the Philippine National Police Investigation Division, said Dellosa, who trained under an Indonesian Jemaah Islamiyah expert in Lanao del Sur, was the first to be bagged by the operatives in Makati City.