There is no sense at all to cave in to harangues for the government to strike at the MNLF in Sulu in retribution. The government shall not act irresponsibly in a manner that will set back our hard won gains against the Abu Sayyaf.

President Arroyo’s strategic aim is to isolate terrorist cells in the area and clean them out, finish the implementation of the final phase of the 1996 GRP-MNLF peace accord in coordination with the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) and the OIC Committee of the Eight, and consolidate overall peace in Mindanao.

Comparing the state of press freedom in the Philippines with Afghanistan or Iraq for that matter is ridiculous.

The Philippines is not a war zone, we are not under military rule and no journalist is in jail for the practice of his or her profession. We have a free and untrammeled press.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo feted in Malacaņang today the winners in the 2006 Search for the Most Child-Friendly Cities and Municipalities of the Philippines based on their adherence to promoting and protecting children’s rights to survival, protection, development and participation in governance.

A project of the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), the nationwide search saw 89 local government units (LGUs) vie for the top three categories which offer cash prizes, trophies and, of course, bragging "rights as to who are the best."

The awards have three categories, namely: the highly-urbanized and chartered cities; the first- to third-class municipalities and component cities; and the fourth- to sixth-class municipalities.

Each winner gets a Presidential trophy and P350,000 cash prize.

The municipalities which were chosen to represent their respective categories were: Bauko, Mountain Province; Malitbog, Bukidnon; and New Lucena, Iloilo for the 4^th to 6^th Class Municipalities. Bangued, Abra; Jordan, Guimaras; Maitum, Saranggani; and Dumaguete City were picked to represent the 1^st to 3^rd Class Municipalities and Component Cities.

For the Highly-Urbanized and Independent or Chartered City category, the representatives were the cities of Bacolod, Makati, and Naga.

New Lucena, Iloilo; Jordan, Guimaras and Naga City emerged as the winners in their respective categories.

Initiated by the CWC, the government’s focal agency on children’s concerns, the Presidential Award for the Most Child-Friendly Cities and Municipalities was launched in November 1999 to promote the Child Friendly Movement (CFM).

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo formally inducted Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Antonio Nachura and four newly appointed Associate Justices of the Court of Appeals (CA) in mass oath-taking ceremonies this morning in Malacaņang.

Nachura, former Solicitor General and Presidential Chief Legal Counsel, took his oath in the presence of other members of the SC led by Chief Justice Reynato Puno.

The newly appointed Associate Justices of the CA who were likewise inducted were Michael Elbinias, Stephen Cruz, Francisco Acosta and Jane Lantion.

Among the SC Associate Justices present were: Consuelo Ynares-Santiago, Antonio Carpio, Angelina Sandoval-Gutierrez, Ma. Alicia Austria-Martinez, Conchita Carpio-Morales, Minita Chico Nazario, Romeo Callejo, Dante Tinga, Adolfo Azcuna and Presbitero Velasco.

Nachura, also a former representative of the second district of Samar, was picked by the President to fill up the vacancy created at the SC with the elevation of Justice Puno as Chief Justice.

"I was as surprised as everybody else. She told me Wednesday (January 31) morning over the phone (about) my appointment and I was in shock. Since Jan. 31 up to now, I am still in shock," Nachura said.

Also sworn in at the mass oath-taking rites were newly appointed Philippine Ambassadors Shirley Ho-Vicario (Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea with concurrent jurisdiction over the Republic of Kiribati and the Solomon Islands), Teresita Brener (Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of India with concurrent jurisdiction over the Kingdom of Nepal);

Vidal Querol (Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Indonesia), and Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) president Francis Chua, the new Special Envoy to China for Trade and Industry.

Other government officials who took their oaths under various capacities were: Eric Panga, Magtanggol Castro and Ellaine Corro as Assistant Solicitors General; Vilma Labrador as Undersecretary of the Department of Education; Grace Chavez-Ty as Judge for Municipal Trial Court in Cities Branch 3, Lipa, City, Batangas; Benjamin Nogales as chairman of the National Labor Relations Commission of the Department of Labor and Employment;

Nestor Mangio as chairman of the Clark International Airport Corporation; Oliver Butalid as member and president, board of directors of the Natural Resources Mining Development Corp. of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Generoso Mamaril as Presidential Assistant (PA), Maritime Affairs Office; and Ricardo Ochia as PA with rank of Assistant Secretary for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The Philippine National Police (PNP) also had its share of officers who were promoted to higher positions.

Among them were:

• Police Director Reynaldo Varilla – promoted to Police Deputy Director General;
• Police Chief Superintendents Edgardo Doromal and Ernesto Belen – promoted to Police Directors
• Police Senior Superintendents Maximo Calimlim, Jr., Romeo Hilomen, Ramon Gatan, Perfecto Palad, Van Luspo, Edwin Pfleider, Ricardo Padilla, Leocadio Santiago, Jr., Jimmy Restua, Victor Oao, Samuel Pagdilao, Jr., Jaime Tagaca, Antonio Atienza, Jr., Teodorido Lapuz IV, Dante Ferrer, Reynaldo Osia, Danilo Empedrad, Bensali Jabarani, Ronald Roderos and Ricardo Ver – all promoted to Police Chief Superintendents.

For the Philippine Coast Guard: Damian Carlos was promoted as Vice Admiral while Lino Dabi, Luis Tuason, Jr., Cecil Chen, Arturo Olavario and Rolando Dizon were all promoted to the rank of Commodore.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is determined to achieve a "durable and comprehensive peace" in Mindanao through interfaith dialogue, economic development and international cooperation.

Press Secretary and concurrent Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio R. Bunye said in a statement today the government has no retaliatory actions against the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Sulu but instead would work on fulfilling the implementation of the final phase of the 1996 GRP (Government of the Republic of the Philippines)-MNLF Peace Agreement while waging an all-out war against terror groups in the area.

"President Arroyo’s strategic aim is to isolate terrorists cells in the area and clean them out, finish the implementation of the final phase of the 1996 GRP-MNLF peace accord in coordination with the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) and the OIC Committee of the Eight, and consolidate overall peace in Mindanao," Bunye said.

"There is no sense at all to cave in to harangues for the government to strike at the MNLF in Sulu in retribution. The government shall not act irresponsibly in a manner that will set back our hard-won gains against the Abu Sayyaf," he added.

Bunye said any retaliatory action against the MNLF would mean going back to square one as there would be two groups (again) in the area that the government would be fighting.

The 1996 peace accord with the MNLF ended 24 years of Muslim separatist war in Mindanao.

Bunye reiterated that the Arroyo administration is "resolved to defeat evil, fight poverty and bring about a durable and comprehensive peace that will guarantee our national security in the long term."

Filipino pride filled the cavernous Rizal Ceremonial Hall in Malacaņang this morning when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led government officials, employees, guests and other VIPs in honoring the newest addition to the ever-growing list of Filipino greats – Everest conquerors Leo Oracion and Erwin ‘Pastor’ Emata and world-renowned singer and multi-awarded stage actress Lea Salonga.

The President pulled out all the stops in honoring Oracion, Emata and Salonga by according them the highest Presidential honor that may be bestowed upon a Filipino civilian: the Order of Lakandula.

Oracion gained the distinction for being the first Filipino to ever reach the summit of the world’s highest peak on May 17, 2006.

Emata followed suit 24 hours later to become the second Filipino to reach Mt. Everest’s apex.

Both climbers are avid outdoorsmen and members of the First Philippine Mt. Everest Expedition Team that strove to conquer the formidable mountain and endured rigid days of training and discipline.

Their coldest days and nights never dimmed their fiery dream of showing the world that Filipinos, too, can make it to the top of the world.

The President bestowed the Order of Lakandula with special class Champion for Life on Oracion and Emata "for attaining outstanding achievement in the field of competitive sports, special talents and physical beauty and similar fields that foster extraordinary national pride and inspiration towards excellence."

Previous awardees of the accolade Champion for Life include boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and world pool champions Efren "Bata" Reyes and Ronato Alcano.

Salonga was awarded the Order of Lakandula with rank of Commander (Komandante) for her outstanding dedication in fostering mutual understanding, cultural exchange, justice and dignified relations among persons and nations.

It is conferred on an individual who has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication to one’s craft for the welfare of one’s people and society.

It also reflects the responsibility of leadership, prudence, fortitude, courage and resolve in the service of one’s people.

Salonga began her acting career with Repertory Philippines (RP) at the age of seven and since then took part in many theatrical productions such as RP’s Annie.

In 1989, Lea rose to prominence in the international theater scene in London playing the lead role as Kim in Miss Saigon. For her performance, Lea was honored with the Lawrence Olivier Award.

Since then, Lea has won a Tony and a Drama Desk Award for her role in the play. She then moved to the big screen where she became the voice of Mulan and Princess Jasmine in Aladdin.

Ridiculous.

This was how Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio R. Bunye described comparisons in the state of freedom of the Philippines and Afghanistan which were cited in reports as the most dangerous places for journalists in Asia in 2006.

"Comparing the state of press freedom in the Philippines with Afghanistan or Iraq for that matter is ridiculous," Bunye said in a statement today.

He said the Philippines is not a war zone nor under military rule. Add to that, he said is the fact that no journalist is in jail for the "practice of his or her profession."

"We have a free and untrammeled press. Reporters can cover every nook and cranny of the political, economic, social and security arena every hour of the day," Bunye noted.

Citing the findings of the investigation by police authorities, Bunye said some suspects on the journalist killings have been arrested and cases have already been filed in court against the culprits.

For his part, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, in his weekly press briefing in Malacaņang this afternoon, said that the government is seriously looking into the root cause of the unexplained political and journalist executions.

To prove the government’s sincere effort, the Philippine National Police (PNP) created the Task Force Usig while the Executive department formed the Melo Commission headed by former Supreme Court Justice Jose Melo.

Ermita added that members of the European Union, particularly Spain, Sweden, Norway and Germany, are sending representatives to the Philippines to participate in the ongoing probe.

The planning meeting for the election summit called by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was conducted successfully at Barbara’s Restaurant in Intramuros, Manila from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon today.

Key aspects of the summit were defined and will be proposed to the participating government agencies and non-government organizations for their comment and approval, according to Cabinet Secretary Riardo Saludo, who presided over the three-hour meeting.

Among those who attended were Undersecretaries Ramon Bacani and Franklin Sunga of the Department of Education (DepEd), Deputy Director General Antonio Billones and Sr. Supt. Jose Genteles of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Assistant Secretary Ron Zalo of the Presidential Legislative and Liaison Office (PLLO), Director James Jimenez of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Secretary General Damaso Magbual of the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel), Rev. Rey Cortez of the National Council of Churches of the Philippines, Rev. Jonelle Milan of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches, and Sister Rosanne Malilin of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)-National Secretariat for Social Action, representing the Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice and Peace.

The meeting also reviewed preparations and activities being undertaken by the PNP, the Comelec, the DepEd and Namfrel for the May 2007 elections. It also discussed the electoral reforms proposed by former Chief Justice and Comelec Chairman Hilario Davide.

Malacaņang announced today the appointment by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of two highly qualified women to the diplomatic affairs services.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita made the announcement during his weekly press briefing held this afternoon at Malacaņang’s New Executive Building (NEB).

The newly-appointed officials are Victoria S. Bataclan as ambassador to Norway with concurrent jurisdiction over the Kingdom of Denmark and the Republic of Iceland, and Maria Zeneida Angara-Collinson as ambassador to Sweden with concurrent jurisdiction over the Republic of Finland, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Latvia and the Republic of Lithuania.

Both appointees are under the Department of Foreign Affairs.

TRECE MARTIRES CITY -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo awarded today three housing units and certificates of lot allocation (CELAs) to informal settlers affected by the railway clearing operations of the Southrail project during a visit this afternoon to the Southville resettlement project in Barangay Aguado here.

The President, accompanied by Presidential Chief of Staff Mike Defensor, was welcomed by some 500 residents and officials led by Vice President Noli de Castro, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Jesli Lapus, National Housing Authority (NHA) General Manager Federico Laxa, Acting Cavite Governor Juanito Victor Remulla, 2^nd District Representative Gilbert Remulla, and Trece Martires City Mayor Melencio Sagun.

The President led the awarding of housing units to three families and 179 CELAs to families relocated from the Southrail project clearing operations along the railway lines in Pandacan and Sta. Mesa, Manila.

The President also witnessed the turnover to the DepEd of a 12-room school building for the Southville 2 Elementary School, multi-purpose hall and market site for the resettlement site, and two units of garbage trucks donated by the provincial government for the city.

At least 214 families have already been relocated to the 28-hectare Southville resettlement site that can accommodate up to 6,000 families.

A year ago, the President announced the allocation of P1 billion for the relocation and housing of families affected by the proposed North and South Rail projects aside from decongesting Metro Manila of informal settlers.

Citing the need for Filipinos to realize the importance of preparing for medical emergencies, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared today February 8 to March 8, 2007 as the "National Health Insurance Program Month."

In Proclamation No. 1232, the President noted that many Filipinos do not seek medical services in hospitals even under the most trying times because "they simply cannot afford the exorbitant cost of health care."

"There is a need to let Filipinos realize that the better way of preparing for medical emergencies is by enrolling themselves into a health insurance," the President said in the proclamation.

She said that the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) must be brought to as many Filipinos as possible, including the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families so that quality health care can be more accessible.

She pointed out that the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), the government corporation that spearheads the full implementation of the health care program, continues to exert all efforts to make its services accessible.

"There is a need to further strengthen the communication and networking efforts of PhilHealth to ensure that members are updated on the developments of their PhilHealth membership and benefits," she said.

The Chief Executive urged government agencies and organizations for their active multi-sector involvement to ensure the success of this campaign including the PhilHealth which will lead the implementation of the "National Health Insurance Program Month."

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has granted executive clemency to 18 prisoners including a woman for humanitarian reasons.

In his weekly press conference in Malacanang this afternoon, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said those granted conditional pardon were Sofia Antenor, Modesto Belosa, Conrado Casitas, Leonardo Darilag, Manuel de Guia, Faustino Dulay, Joel Estilloso, Pedro Luang, Alberto Menoy, Tereso Ngujo, Felipe Ortega, Padu Pangandag, Teodulo Panti, Padsoyan Patik, Mamerto Pelopero Sr, Benidicto Quimbo, Francisco Sagum and Dominador Serrano.