Formation of new Palace media group justified

Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye justified yesterday the formation of a new communications group, which will help rally public support for President Arroyo’s programs and projects.

"The President formed a media group that will help rally support for her structural programs. This move is necessary to project the truth of the good news inherent in these reforms amidst the bad news that tend to be highlighted by media coverage in the past few months," Bunye said.

The group, which met formally for the first time last Thursday, was conceptualized after her Dec. 30 declaration that she would not seek a full six-year term in the 2004 presidential elections.

"The people must be informed that the government is working and doing its best to improve their lives. This is not a form of ‘pa-pogi’ since the President has already vowed not to run in 2004," Bunye said.

"The President has repeatedly said nothing could change her mind and that she would just concentrate on her reform agenda, unify the nation and ensure the holding of clean and honest elections in May 2004," Bunye said.

He also denied speculations that the President’s trips to various areas in Metro Manila and the provinces to reach out to the "silent majority" are in any way connected with her supposed plans to run for the presidency, contrary to her earlier declaration.

Initially, the group was composed of Executive Secretary Alberto Romulo; Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Avelino Cruz; Presidential Management Staff Silvestre Afable; Presidential Chief of Staff Rigoberto Tiglao; and Bunye.

At the formal organizational meeting the other day, the ICAG was expanded to include Press Secretary Hernani Braganza; presidential adviser on ecclesiastical and media affairs Dodi Limcaoco; former trade and industry undersecretary Tomas Alcantara, who is concurrently presidential consultant on foreign travels; private sector communications expert Tony Abaya; Social Weather Stations resident pollster Jun Laylo; former health undersecretary Mario Taguiwalo; and Bubut Quicho.

Bunye made the disclosure after a "shadowy media task force" was reported to be allegedly working to manufacture a public clamor for Mrs. Arroyo to run in the 2004 elections.

"There is nothing sinister about this group (which) will assist the President in rallying support" for her projects, he said.