After holidays, it's back to work for P-Noy

MANILA, Philippines - After spending some quality time with his loved ones during the holidays, President Aquino is returning to work today with his hands full.

“Whether he (Aquino) is in Baguio or in Manila tomorrow (today) is a work day for the President,” Presidential Communications Group Secretary Ricky Carandang said.

The Presidential Security Group said Aquino brought with him in Baguio piles of documents, indicating that he may still work there even after the New Year. The PSG though did not elaborate citing security reasons.

“The PSG would not elaborate on the travel plans of the President for security reasons, but he did bring along lots of documents in his vacation in Baguio. So, even if he is vacationing in Baguio, I’m sure the President is still working,” Carandang said.

Aquino spent the New Year at the Mansion House in Baguio, where his sisters Ballsy, Pinky and Viel went along with their husbands to have dinner together late Saturday.

It was not known whether the youngest sibling, popular TV host Kris Aquino-Yap, attended the gathering.

The President did not include in his media itinerary his visit to Baguio, where he also spent time with his Ateneo classmates Christino “Bong” Naguiat, chairman of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., and Energy Secretary Rene Almendras.

Aquino also had the opportunity to meet with Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan and local bishops.

“It was mostly a private visit. It was a private visit,” Carandang said.

Carandang though hinted a Cabinet meeting may be made following increases in oil prices and toll rates at the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), plus the looming increase in the flag-down rate of taxis, and the possibility of bus and jeepney fares following suit.

“He (Aquino) does feel though that there should be full Cabinet meetings every once in a while to apprise the other members of the Cabinet on the developments regarding other Cabinet members,” Carandang said.

Carandang did not say though where or when the Cabinet meeting would take place.

Already, Malacañang has raised concerns over these added burdens to Filipino consumers.

Carandang assured the public though that members of the economic team – among them Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade and Industry Secretary Greg Domingo and Almendras – have probably been discussing ways on how to mitigate the effects of the impending increases on the consuming public.

“I think the President would summon the economic team. Even now, if the President does not call such a meeting, I know these people would take the initiative since they are also concerned. I am not surprised if they are discussing these concerns at the moment,” he said.

Carandang cited the need to study the impact of the increases to the consumers.

“The increase of oil prices in the world market cannot be helped. But we should study how to mitigate the impact through other methods. We have proper procedures on how to deal with these increases and how to mitigate (their) effects on the consumers,” he said.