PANANAW MULA SA PALASYO

President Arroyo called a caucus of the   ruling Lakas party at Malacañang Saturday evening to chart the party’s directions for 2010 and beyond.

The meeting was attended by its Chairman Emeritus, former President Fidel V. Ramos, Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr., Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, House leaders Raul del Mar, Arturo Defensor, Prospero Nograles, Neptali Gonzalez, Jr., League of Municipalities and ULAP head Ramon Guico, League of Cities President Jerry Trenas, League of Provinces President Loreto Ocampos and this writer.

The President’s Statement summarizes what transpired during the historic meeting.

Let me quote:

“I have just met with former President Ramos, Speaker De Venecia and several key leaders of the ruling party. The meeting was warm, constructive and forward looking. We agreed to revitalize the administration coalition behind our vision.

“Hangarin nating mapabilang ang Pilipinas sa mayayamang bansa sa loob ng dalampung taon. By then poverty shall have been marginalized; and the marginalized raised to a robust middle class.

“We will have achieved the hallmarks of a modern society, where institutions are strong, characterized by responsible citizenship and responsible governance.

“It was the sentiment of the party leaders that teamwork in nation-building, unity of purpose, solidarity in values should always prevail and not allow small hurts to get in the way of staying as one family and fulfilling our hopes for the people.

“We agreed on a process of national consolidation, gathering all our allies around the common vision. Our common vision is based on a coalition of principle and action. Leadership controversies within the legislature shall be put to an end as we reinvigorate the tools of a strong executive-legislative partnership such as the LEDAC and the NSC.

“Let this day douse all rumor and speculation that this Government is divided. It is strong and focused on the business of the people. We ask our people to join us in our journey to a future of national stability, peace and solidarity.” 

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At the recent launch of Shell’s compressed natural gas (CNG) stations, the President hailed this significant step towards reducing the country’s dependence on imported fuel while promoting cleaner air.

Shell’s project showcases CNG-fueled buses for public transport in the Batangas-Manila and Laguna-Manila routes using indigenous natural gas, as well as the operation of mother-daughter CNG refueling stations.

The President described the effort as drawing upon the resources and expertise of the private sector and the Government’s ability to provide the appropriate investment climate and incentives towards successful collaboration.  She likewise recognized the multinational collaboration that made the project a reality.

The Shell Companies in the Philippines, together with the Malampaya partners Chevron and the PNOC-Exploration Corporation, threw their collective commitment to technical excellence and safety behind bringing gas from the South China Sea to this daughter station.  The Philippines’ very own AG&P and EEI likewise contributed their expertise.

In view of our Biofuels Act signed last January, the Philippines is now the first country in our part of the world to have mandated the use of one percent biofuel blend.  Two years from now, all gasoline fuel actually sold and distributed by every oil company in the Philippines shall contain a minimum of five percent bioethanol blend.

The President is now calling on Congress to pass urgent legislation on the development and promotion of renewable energy sources. 

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