Arroyo urging PCL to back Team Unity

President Gloria Arroyo yesterday called on the members of the Philippine Councilors' League to support Team Unity senatorial candidates, as she touted that the "blessings to the people" are bound to continue with their support.

The president told over 2,000 city councilors from all over the country during the Philippine Councilor's League 2007 End Term National Assembly that the country's uninterrupted economic growth should continue by 2008 in a program she called "8 for '08."

The president said her administration will invest in the people to gain eight blessings by 2008, which are job creation, stable cost of living, strong peso, more investments, pro-poor education, pro-poor health, hunger mitigation and housing, green Philippines and strong anti-terror.

"I will focus on the national agenda to achieve these blessings by 2008. I am campaigning for the candidates to you. Into your hands I commend the fate of Team Unity," Arroyo told the councilors.

In an apparent call for Team Unity support for good economy, Arroyo further urged the councilors not to let the "surging economy be derailed" by working hard until their term ends with realized economic prosperity, social justice and peace and security.

The president said the "blessings the country is enjoying now are the fruits of our people's industry and sacrifices" that were backed by the leadership and commitment of the councilors in their respective local governments.

"It's payback time for our people and more than ever, I will be needing the support of our local officials in bringing the blessings to the people in every nook and corner of the country," Arroyo said.

The President said that part of the "social payback from the government's prudent spending" is the additional P15 billion for the Internal Revenue Allotment or IRA for all local government units.

She said that the national government previously could not release funds for LGUs if the budget was not passed but this changed during her administration, despite running on a reenacted budget.

"This is because I trust the local officials to work with me to continue on the path to reform social justice and economic development. You, the local officials, form the centerpiece of Philippine democracy. You are on the frontline of change," Arroyo told the councilors.

She said that she, the government, and local officials have made tough but necessary decisions to strengthen the economy. - Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/RAE