Monday, July 26, 2004
'Filipino First' is new thrust of Arroyo administration (5:03 pm)
MANILA -- President Arroyo spelled out Monday a new thrust of her administration -- "Mamamayan Muna" or Filipino First -- which can be achieved by providing economic opportunities for Filipinos both here and abroad.
She also revealed her pro-poor programs of more jobs, land reform, water, medicines, electricity and people empowerment.
In a 40-minute State of the Nation Address (Sona), Arroyo also revealed the following:
* Inflation is under control and the prices of rice and fish are stable
* Abolition of 80 offices under the Office of the President and the abolition of 30 more.
* Tough decisions in terms of reforms will have to be made in the next six years.
Arroyo again defended her decision to pull out the Filipino troops from Iraq to save kidnapped Filipino truck driver Angelo dela Cruz.
"I won't apologize for being a protector of my people," she said.
Arroyo, at the same time, asked Congress to pass eight revenue measures that will generate P80 billion in additional revenues for government.
Earlier, Congress leaders said they will scrutinize such measures and bat for improving tax collection instead of imposing new taxes. (Sunnex Luzon) |
