PGMA extends hand of conciliation to political enemies
Apparently extending a hand of conciliation to her political enemies, the President yesterday thanked former Senate President Franklin Drilon and Iloilo Gov. Niel Tupas Sr. for the construction of the new Iloilo international airport and for the country's recent economic gains.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 188-hectare airport in this town, the President thanked Drilon and the members of the House for the passing of revenue-generating measures by Congress.
"I thanked congressmen for making those tough decisions to raise revenue and as (Iloilo Governor) Niel Tupas says, while Frank Drilon is not here today, we acknowledge that he was the Senate President during the time when those difficult revenues were passed," Arroyo said.
She also thanked Tupas for the realization of the P8.759-billion airport.
"Governor Tupas, congratulations. If (former) Gov. (Arthur) Defensor conceived of the airport, you gave birth to this airport," the President said.
Drilon and Tupas were the President's allies until July 2005 when they broke ties with her administration and called for her resignation.
Tupas has blamed the administration for the January 17 armed assault on the Iloilo provincial capitol where heavily armed policemen tried to enforce a dismissal order by the Ombudsman against the governor and two provincial board members for graft.
Tupas defeated the administration's candidate, Vice Gov. Roberto Armada, by a landslide winning with a margin of 208,000 votes.
In his welcome address, Tupas acknowledged Drilon's contribution to the realization of the airport.
"This is a much awaited moment... Iloilo will never be the same after this airport commences operation," said Tupas.
"The chief architect of this project, Sen. Franklin Drilon, could not join us in this glorious moment but we also convey to him our heartfelt thanks for daring to dream big dreams for Iloilo," he said.
But the governor right after also thanked the President: "We thank you, Madam President."
Extending her conciliatory tone, the President said the country's economic performance have not been hampered by politics.
"The path we have set for economic reforms has not been upset by partisan elections. And if you want proof of that statement, just look at the ones who are on this platform today. From different contending parties in the last elections, we are all together for the future of Iloilo and Panay Island," she said.
Tupas was seated beside the President at the platform at the pre-departure area where the program was held. Also present were the President's allies Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez, Iloilo Representatives Judy Syjuco and Arthur Defensor and Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza.
"Now that the election is over, let us now all focus so that our economy will further grow," the President said in Hiligaynon.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, president of the League of Cities of the Philippines, one of the President's staunchest allies, said the President's words "clearly showed that she is extending her hand in friendship for the sake of economic development."
"Her message was clear: 'Let us forget about politics because the elections are over. Let us focus on real agenda which is to push for economic development," said Treñas.
He said the President's statement was "a welcome development not only for Iloilo but also for the political opposition."
But Gonzalez, one of the most outspoken against the President's critics, played it down.
"Ti, ano gid? (So what?)," Gonzalez said in a telephone interview when asked to comment on President's acknowledgment of Drilon and Tupas.
"Do you expect her to talk about the anomalies (committed by Tupas)?" said Gonzalez.
He said the President merely acknowledged all the people who contributed to the construction of the airport.
"The President made it clear that it was (former Governor Arthur) Defensor who conceptualized the airport. She was practically answering Tupas who claimed that it was Drilon who was the main instrument in the realization of the airport," said Gonzalez.