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Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Arroyo says gov’t service goes on (10:58 a.m.)
MANILA -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Tuesday night said her "government is not paralyzed" despite growing calls for her to step down, including those from former President Corazon Aquino and some of her former Cabinet officials.
Arroyo said during the 25th anniversary of the Light Rail Transit Authority celebration in Santolan in Pasig City that the government continues to function and her Cabinet members are working to ensure that the needs of the public are met.
To prove that her administration is addressing all the needs and problems of the people, the President ordered LRTA General Manager Mel Robles to immediately release the overtime pay due the agency's employees who have been working overtime since operations of the railway system was extended to accommodate the public.
Press secretary and presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye again enjoined the detractors of President Arroyo to make use of the legal venues and proper forums in airing their views and complaints against the Chief Executive.
Bunye said if the detractors, including those who marched to Makati City Tuesday, truly love and upholds interest of the country as they claim, they must learn to respect the law and the democratic processes as well.
Economic Planning Secretary Romulo Neri said he hopes that the rallies would just be peaceful and orderly and the issues that they are raising are legitimate.
He also echoed Bunye's claim that there are proper institutions that could handle the issues and at the same time serve as a "firewall between politics and business."
Neri, meanwhile, shrugged off reports that the 10 resigned Cabinet officials may be asked to testify in the impeachment case against Arroyo. Neri said, "It's their choice. It's up to them to prove their point."
House Speaker Jose De Venecia Jr. said in a press conference in Malacañang he would transmit to the House committee on justice within 10 session days or even earlier the impeachment complaint filed against Arroyo.
De Venecia said the House could start tackling the impeachment complaint at the same time they are discussing the resolution for the creation of a constituent assembly. (JMR)
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