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Saturday, March 29, 2008
Cebu support 'solidifies' Arroyo stand not to quit
By Jujemay G. Awit
CEBU CITY -- Cebuano politicians' show of support bolstered her resolve to stay in power until her term ends in 2010, despite incessant calls for her to resign, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said Friday.
"How can they ever bring me down?" she said during a visit.
Arroyo Watch: Sun.Star blog on President Arroyo
The One Cebu party and five leagues of local officials in the province presented to President Arroyo yesterday morning various resolutions of support.
The Cebu Provincial Board (PB) led the exercise, which also involved the Cebu Provincial Chapters of the League of Mayors in the Philippines (LMP), Vice Mayors' League of the Philippines (VMLP), Philippine Councilors' League (PCL), Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK).
"President Arroyo has been instrumental in bringing to the municipalities in the Province of Cebu numerous developmental and infrastructure projects and programs. Said programs have proven to be beneficial to the development and well-being of the municipalities in the Province of Cebu and its people," read the resolution of the LMP, presented by its president Cesar Baricuatro. They passed the resolution last March 14.
VMLP president Stefan Ace Binghay led the passage of a resolution supporting Arroyo last March 27, while criticizing the Senate Blue Ribbon committee investigation on the national broadband network deal with the Chinese company ZTE.
Decentralized
"It is high time that exposes and serious allegations be brought to the proper forum, that is the court of law, so that once and for all, the truth will prevail and all those found guilty will be accordingly sanctioned," the VMLP resolution read.
In a resolution passed last March 12 and president yesterday by the Liga ng mga Barangay president Teresita Celis, the league said: "The President deserves the gratitude and support of our people for her indefatigable and determined efforts to improve the quality of life of our people by strengthening local government units and decentralization of bureaucracy."
PCL president Alfredo Ouano read the league's expression of "unwavering support" to President Arroyo and her administration, while SK provincial president Bea Mercedes Calderon said that the league continues to recognize the mandate given to Arroyo as President.
Also at the "One Cebu for GMA" activity were Rep. Raul del Mar (Cebu City, north district) and representatives from Lapu-Lapu City and Bogo City.
"Cebu stands as one and we are firm, we are steadfast, we are unwavering in our support for the adopted daughter of the Province of Cebu by virtue of an ordinance," Garcia said of President Arroyo.
Swift growth
Thousands were in attendance at the CICC, with almost all the mayors in attendance. Some of the mayors were represented by the vice mayors, and the crowd also included councilors and barangay officials.
President Arroyo expressed her thanks and also discussed the economy, as well as how Cebu contributed to its growth.
"Speaking of the national economy, 2007 was the best year in the Philippine economy in more than 30 years," said the President, referring to record-high growth in the gross domestic product.
"Nahibaw kita nga ang Cebu mao ang probinsya nga paspas ang pag-usbaw gawas sa Metro Manila...Our investments have been steady and strong," she said.
She promised more infrastructure projects to benefit Cebu, which her administration intends to develop as a "telecommunications gateway" in the country for call centers and other business process outsourcing (BPOs) operations.
Despite repeated calls for her resignation and a political crisis fueled by charges of corruption, Arroyo said she remains optimistic about the country's prospects this year.
Invest
"Not only do we expect continued growth but as a result of our total economic overhaul, we are well-positioned to face the global economic slowdown which, unfortunately, affects all of us," said Arroyo.
She added that in order to deal with global economic uncertainty, what the country needs are: a surge in investments, anti-corruption initiatives and less red tape, and the provision of relief for the poor, especially in terms of energy and rice.
Another solution is to empower the middle class, which Arroyo believes is already happening in Cebu.
"So my last two years will be dedicated to the main objective-invest, invest and invest some more in our nation," she added.
Since Cebu was showed unity behind her administration, the President also challenged the province to lead the fight against poverty.
"One Cebu for GMA, one Cebu to fight poverty, not only in Cebu because it is already a progressive province but also one Cebu for the other provinces. Kauban ko kamo, labaw pa ang akong (With your help, I gain more) energy to fight poverty and (bring) development," Arroyo added. (Sun.Star Cebu)For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star General Santos. (March 29, 2008 issue)
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