Palace calls for cooperation in Arroyo's last months in office

Saying economy, education, and the coming elections remain at the top of the administration’s agenda, Malacañang on Sunday urged Filipinos to support President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in her remaining six months in office. Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said President Arroyo's priorities in her stay in Malacañang until June include an improved economy, better education, increased environmental awareness and protection, and clean and peaceful elections. “Ako po ay nananawagan na ating tulungan ang ating mahal na Pangulong Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at ang ating pamahalaan na itaguyod ang ating mga prioridad sa ekonomiya, edukasyon, at environment na siyang priority ng ating Pangulo sa nalalabing anim na buwan sa kanyang panunungkulan...Magtulung-tulungan tayo sa mga bagay na iyan...," Remonde said. (I am calling on everyone to help the President and our government promote our plans for the economy, education and environment, which are the President's priorities in her last six months in office. Let us help each other on these concerns.) Remonde's appeal echoed President Arroyo's plea to the media last November to be kinder to her during her remaining months in office. She, however, will not retire to private life after her term ends in June 30, as she is running for congresswoman in the second district of her home province of Pampanga. If she wins, she will have a reunion of sorts at the House of Representatives with her Cabinet secretaries who are also seeking seats in the said chamber -- Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita (Batangas), Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap (Bohol), deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez (Bacolod City), and Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr. (Camarines Sur). Remonde said the President, just like any other Filipino worker, will have a hectic week after a long break during the Christmas holidays. On Monday, President Arroyo will host a People's Day in Malacañang with the residents of barangays (villages) surrounding the Palace complex and accept calls from ambassadors of officials of the legislature and judiciary. On Tuesday, she will inspect and inaugurate projects in the Visayas and Mindanao and meet with local leaders. A day after that, she is expected to go to Ifugao and the Mountain Province to inaugurate more government projects. On Thursday, President Arroyo will go to Calauan in Laguna to sign the Social Security System (SSS) Condonation bill and check on the condition of flood victims relocated in Calamba town. On Friday, she will have her usual climate change-related activities, Remonde said. The New Year Vin d'Honneur with the diplomatic corps is also expected to take place in the coming weeks, he added. - KBK, GMANews.TV