GMA vows to shun politicking

President Arroyo vowed yesterday to continue to shun politicking and to focus on her economic reforms as she rallied the people and the media to join her in dwelling on the "good news" happening in the country.

"We must tune in with our economic gains rather than on political noise, even in secular matters. The signals are clear that we are on the right track, where Filipinos here and around the world are exemplifying great heroism, productivity and excellence," Mrs. Arroyo said during the launching of Sa Ngalan ng Ama, a weekly fact-based, socially-relevant and inspirational drama anthology to be shown on TV Maria, which is being run by the Philippine Catholic Church, the new owners of Dream Satellite TV.

The President congratulated the Church and St. Paul University Quezon City, where the launching was held, for producing programs for evangelization.

Mrs. Arroyo cited the importance of using the media to make the people feel better, and not be overcome by hopelessness.

"The government, I’d like to assure you, is making sure that the fruits to be reaped from macro-economic gains will be well within the reach of every Filipino household," the President said.

"The people are anticipating economic takeoff and (we should keep) destructive politics at bay. This is the time to surge forward and not fall back as we drive the momentum of the Philippines forward," she said.

Mrs. Arroyo earlier told local government officials that they should refrain from campaigning this early, and should rather focus on serving the people.

Last Nov. 16 in Tagaytay City, the President appealed to media practitioners to highlight the good news in their reporting and reiterated that freedom was not a license to be irresponsible.

Mrs. Arroyo lamented that positive developments in the economy were buried in the business pages of newspapers instead of being placed on the front pages. — Aurea Calica