Determined to put an end to extrajudicial and political killings, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo vowed today to "put teeth" into the Melo Commission’s recommendations to stop human rights violations in the country.

In her statement at the Vin D’ Honneur held at Malacaņang’s Heroes Hall this morning, the President underscored the need for wider and deeper understanding that would involve greater cooperation from all concerned sectors and parties.

"There is much to ponder and much to be done. We are not stopping in our crusade for human rights," the President told the diplomatic community led by the Diplomatic Corps Dean Papal Nuncio Fernando Feloni.

"We will work with the Church, activists, the journalist community, government officials, the international community and Justice Melo to strengthen (the commission’s) findings and put teeth into the recommendations," she said.

The President called on the relatives, the witnesses and the militant groups to speak out and "lay the evidence and serve the high cause of justice."

Malacaņang received yesterday morning the report of the five-man fact-finding body, headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Jose Melo, which conducted an in-depth investigation of extradjudicial killings of a number of persons, among them journalists and leftist activists.

Upon receipt of the Melo report, the President immediately issued several directives to different government agencies, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), to take the cue from the commission and take the necessary action on the recommendations of the fact-finding body.

"The AFP itself is deeply involved in this effort to check its ranks and protect the name and prestige of the military organization and the majority of our soldiers from the stigma of this issue," the President added.

Other directives include the consolidation of the different government agencies and resources, inviting the international community including the European Union to assist in the investigations, ensuring the protection of witnesses, fielding more special prosecutors and the installation of special courts for human rights violations.

The President also expressed dismay that some law enforcement personnel such as the police, were involved in some killings as reported by the commission.

"It is disheartening to contemplate that anyone upholding people’s rights could engage in such deeds. I need to fully absorb what it means," she said.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo expressed assurance today that the government would stick to its budget for this year and would not overspend before the May 14 mid-term elections.

"And lest anyone falsely declares that we will spend beyond our means before the upcoming elections, I have something to say: No way," the President said in her statement during the traditional Vin D’ Honneur held in Malacaņang this morning.

The President stressed that the government has the discipline and the political will to stick to the P1.126-trillion 2007 budget programmed to bring to every Filipino household the fruits of economic growth brought about by tough economic reforms implemented by her administration.

She told the diplomatic community that with the Congress approval of the 2007 general appropriations, it would be the second year in a row that the government is investing more funds in education, healthcare and vital infrastructure projects essential in further spurring economic development nationwide through the development of the five super regions.

"This includes billions (of pesos) more for new roads, bridges, ports and physical infrastructure," the President said.

In further stressing that the government has no funds for extra expenditures for the May polls other than those allowed by law, the President said the government would continue to "pay down our deficit" and eventually achieve a balanced budget by 2008.

The President also assured the diplomatic corps that the Filipinos could vote in the May polls "free from fear" as she vowed to crack down on political violence.

"2007 will be the year it all comes together!"

Thus declared President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today as she expressed optimism that the Philippines would be a peaceful and prosperous nation this year.

In her statement at the traditional Vin D’ Honneur in Malacaņang this morning, the President said all the economic indicators point to one thing: the Philippines is on the verge of an economic takeoff.

"I see 2007 as the year we start to bring home the fruits of reforms to those who need nourishment the most: the poor here in the Philippines. Through the painful but necessary battles to raise new revenue, crack down on tax cheats and prosecute corrupt officials, we are now finally a nation ready to do right by our poorest citizens," she said.

About 70 members of the diplomatic community, including US Ambassador Kristie Kenney and Papal Nuncio Fernando Feloni, attended the affair.

"I am once again in the proud position this year to announce strong economic numbers: our stock market has never been higher in a decade nor delivered better returns for investors; the peso is at its highest point in recent years; exports have grown by double digits; direct foreign investment has soared to $2 billion; one million jobs were created; and our credit outlook has come up," the President said.

She said that the government has been working on pro-poor projects as spelled out in her 10-point agenda to alleviate the lives of the poor.

She admitted that there are so many poor Filipinos and hoped that she could move faster to improve their lives and "eventually halt the inequalities."

The President said that this year, the P1.126 trillion national appropriations would be allotted solely to programs and projects that would benefit the poor.

With new investments flowing into the country, more jobs would be created, and with more funds now available to build the necessary infrastructure for the development of the super regions, healthcare and education, the Filipinos would have access to high-paying jobs and live with dignity right here in the Philippines, she said.

The President stressed that peace and security are essential elements in achieving economic growth as she vowed that the government would pursuit without letup its campaign against terror and insurgency.

She said the long sought-after peace in Mindanao is finally within reach, and the government’s campaign against terrorists is making significant strides with the killing of key leaders of the Abu Sayyaf and the Indonesia-based Jemaah Islamiyah operating in the Philippines.

"I can attest to another idea whose time has come: the model for peace and stability we achieved thus far in Mindanao…we have a paradigm for peace that is built on interfaith dialogue and cultural awareness, investments in economic development and basic service infrastructure, and mutual security cooperation. These measures have allowed us to expand the territory of peace and narrow the lair of terrorists," the President said.

She added that this year she would push for a comprehensive plan for the "greening" of the Philippines "as no nation would be modern without thinking of our environment."

The government has intensified its development of alternative and renewable sources of energy in a bid to finally wean itself away from dependence on imported oil.

Two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) sentenced to life imprisonment for drug-related offenses in the United Arab Emirates have been granted royal pardon, Malacaņang announced today.

In a press briefing, Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita identified the two OFWs as Editha E. Dagdag and Christian Albert Garcia.

Dagdag, the only Filipina serving life sentence at the Dubai Central jail, was granted pardon by His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

The granting of royal pardon, according to Ermita, was the result of representations made by the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai on the occasion of Eid Al Adha (U.A.E. National Day).

Garcia, the only Filipino serving life sentence in the Emirate of Sharjah, on the other hand, was convicted in 2003.

He was granted pardon by His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Ruler of Sharjah, on the occasion of Ramadan.

It was also through the representations of the Philippine government that the sentences of six OFWs charged with offenses punishable by death in different countries have been downgraded to jail terms recently.

The six are Guen Aguilar, Zenaida Taulbee, Ronilo Arandia, Fernie Salarza, Melvin Obejera and Ma. Fe Cruzado.

Malacaņang announced today the appointment by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of three highly qualified women as acting members of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).

In his weekly press briefing in Malacanang this afternoon, Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita said the three newly-appointed board members are Jacqueline Suzanne Aquino Gavino, Rachel Marguerite B. del Mar and Sheila M. Policarpio.

Gavino, a former television and movie actress, has been a board member of the MTRCB since November 2001.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has appointed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane as the new secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND).

The President announced Ebdane’s new assignment at the working lunch and briefing on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization and upgrading program today at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Ebdane will assume the position starting tomorrow when the President relinquishes the post of "acting DND secretary."

The President assumed the post of DND officer-in-charge following the resignation of then DND chief Avelino Cruz two months ago.

Malacanang had made it known earlier than one of the important criteria in choosing the DND chief is the appointee’s ability to implement or continue what the President had started relative to the Defense Reform Program.

Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio R. Bunye said in a press briefing today that the President has "full confidence in Ebdane, especially because of his prior experience, to be able to implement the defense program."

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has issued Proclamation No. 1224 declaring Feb. 22 to 25 every year as "EDSA People Power Commemoration Week" to perpetuate and propagate the spirit of the historic 1986 event.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the President signed the proclamation yesterday to encourage all government agencies, civic and religious organizations, and the Filipino people to join the yearly celebration of the EDSA People Power Revolution, "as a continuing and permanent source of inspiration for future generations."

Proclamation 1224, according to Ermita, was issued in support of Executive Order No. 82 dated Feb. 22, 1999, institutionalizing the legacy of the EDSA People Power Revolution by creating an EDSA People Power Commission to perpetuate and propagate the spirit of the historic event.

"The February 22 to 25, 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution which restored democratic institutions and ushered meaningful political, social and economic reforms in the country serves as a national inspiration as we chart our collective course as a nation and as a people," the proclamation stated.

The President said the Filipino nation has gained the respect and admiration of the world "with feats of valor and demonstration of people’s solidarity in transforming a society" during the four-day people uprising.