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Friday, September 23, 2005
Arroyo seeks support, vows political reforms
By Dante M. Fabian
CLARK ECOZONE -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Thursday called on barangay leaders in Central Luzon to unite and rally behind her in transforming and correcting the political system in the country to empower the people.
Arroyo also pledged to endorse plans to postpone the barangay elections to October 2007.
The President addressed about 15,000 barangay officials during the first regional congress of the Liga ng mga Barangay (Association of Barangay Councils) in Region 3 at the Expo Filipino in Clark.
"We should act together to deal with the country's political crisis. Let's put more power, more capacity, more wealth in the hands of the people," Arroyo said.
She said the continuing skirmishes, struggles and misunderstandings among the political parties were clear proof that the present political system needs an overhaul.
Her audience included barangay officials from the provinces of Pampanga, Aurora, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Bataan and Zambales.
She said the theme of the barangay congress, "Pagkakaisa Tungo sa Pambansang Kaunlaran," was both apt and timely.
Arroyo also called upon Filipinos to unite in the fight against poverty and the other problems of the country.
"There's no way that our people's aspirations for a better life could be attained if we allow those who sow dissent, destruction and chaos to have their way," she added.
She said everybody who heeds her call for unity is welcome.
"I am tired of chasing the bull around the schoolyard. We welcome those who hearken to our call for unity. Those who persist in their pursuit of destructive agenda, we, from the top to the barangay officials, will enforce the rule of law," she said.
"Let us move on. Let us look for more jobs for our constituents. That is our principal duty," she added.
Organized in 1998, the Region 3 Liga ng mga Barangay seeks to unify all barangay officials in their strive for national progress in the midst of political and economic turmoil.
The Liga also aims to ensure the flow of needed basic services to all barangays in the region, and provide the mechanism to bring their development programs to the attention of the concerned national and local government agencies for assistance.
The Liga's functions include the coordination and support to the barangay councils in the enforcement of laws, maintenance of peace and order, delivery of basic services and promotion of people's welfare at the barangay level. (Sun.Star Pampanga/Sunnex)
(September 23, 2005 issue)
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