First Gentleman Atty. Jose Miguel Arroyo's condition continues to improve after the 48-hour critical period since his major heart surgery passed uneventful this morning.

The medical team that performed the operation on the First Gentleman last Monday night, led by cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Rommel Carino and main attending physician Dr. Juliet Cervantes, bared this in a brief medical briefing at the St. Luke's Hospital this morning.

Cervantes said the First Gentleman underwent dialysis yesterday to remove excess fluid on his kidneys and lungs.

According to her, all of the First Gentleman's vital organs are now okay although they are still monitoring the functions of his lungs and kidneys.

Cervantes said the President’s husband is currently on a respirator which, barring any problem, could be removed within a day of two.

"We have passed the 48 critical-hour period. However, we are still on guard for any possible problem," Cervantes said.

On the other hand, Carino said they don't see any complication arising from the surgery.

Carino gave the First Gentleman a 75 to 80 percent chance of recovering, significantly up from the 50-50 chance of survival given by doctors yesterday.

Carino said they are just waiting for the normalization of the function of the First Gentleman's lungs and kidneys before they can confidently say that he is on the road to full recovery.  

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (PAPP) Secretary Jesus Dureza said today President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s signing of an Administrative Order creating the National Committee on Social Integration (NCSI) is essential to the search for a just, lasting, and sustainable peace in the country.

The national committee will implement a more enhanced and comprehensive assistance program that covers management of forces and arms of former rebels and their transition to civilian life, Dureza said.

One feature of the program is the collection of high-powered firearms from unauthorized civilians and their outright destruction or decommissioning, he added.

Secretary Dureza said A.O. 172, signed by the President last March 23, will enhance the government’s affirmative action to attend to armed elements who want to live peaceful and productive lives.

This will boost development especially at the countryside, Dureza stressed.

The NCSI, under the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), has been tasked to implement the Social Integration Program (SIP) for all armed rebel elements in the country.

Dureza designated Assistant Director General Zenonida Brosas of the National Security Council (NSC) as officer-in-charge (OIC) of the newly created body.

Indirectly responding to the statements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Dureza clarified that the government’s efforts to forge a negotiated principled settlement with rebel groups like the MILF is a priority.

He said that the SIP is not directed or meant to undermine the ongoing negotiations with the MILF.

"On the contrary, addressing the concerns of other armed rebels who can disrupt or negate the gains that we are trying to sustain in our negotiations with the MILF will strengthen the peace process and provide a more sustainable peace environment for all," Dureza said.