Estrada’s New Year resolution: Reforms

President Estrada has vowed to put his nose to the grindstone if he survives his impeachment trial. But is he really ready to reform in deed, and not just words?

The President said yesterday his New Year’s resolution was to work harder under a post-acquittal scenario earlier painted by his advisers.

"I guess I’d have to work double time," he told Palace reporters when asked about his resolution for 2001.

In particular, Mr. Estrada vowed to remove the red tape that has slowed down government projects.

The other day, Executive Secretary Ronaldo Zamora said Malacañang was already anticipating an acquittal, which would give way to a "new beginning" for the Estrada administration.

Zamora pointed out the trial has greatly changed the President’s management style. Mr. Estrada has reportedly abandoned his midnight sessions with drinking buddies and now reports to work as early as 8 a.m. ahead of many Cabinet members.

Yesterday, however, the President apparently deve-loped a sudden relapse to his old ways, canceling an official engagement at the last minute.

Mr. Estrada was supposed to give a keynote address for the opening of the "International Network of Filipino Overseas 2000: Tipanan sa Maynila" conference at a Manila hotel.

With the advance party, security detail and media awaiting his arrival at 9 a.m., word was suddenly sent that Foreign Affairs Secretary Domingo Siazon would be representing the Chief Executive.

The President was reportedly not feeling well, but he later appeared at 11 a.m. at Malacañang to witness the signing of a joint venture agreement on a low-cost housing project.

After the signing, Mr. Estrada said he is determined to carry out reforms in the government.

He insisted he has never been lazy as alleged by his detractors.

"I’ve always been hard-working. The administration has accomplished a lot," he said, citing the increase in the country’s agricultural output and the improved peace and order situation.

Meanwhile, Press Secretary Puno said yesterday that the President himself is confident a "not guilty" verdict would be handed down .

"The President is confident that he will be vindicated. He feels the truth is on his side," Puno told reporters in Laoag City.

Militant labor groups said yesterday they too were preparing for a possible impeachment failure.

"The fight for Estrada’s ouster will not stop with his acquittal," said Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) chairman Crispin Beltran. "There is no other option but the President’s ouster." – With Mayen Jaymalin, Aurea Calica, Liberty Dones