GMA orders probe on ‘Arlene case’

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo announced in her radio program that the military has started an investigation into claims that the abductors of TV reporter Arlene dela Cruz were soldiers and not Abu Sayyaf members as had been widely believed.

In Ang Panawagan ng Pangulo, GMA said a probe was automatic since it was Dela Cruz herself who had declared it was soldiers who had held her captive for almost three months.

Also in the program, GMA clarified that contrary to reports, majority of the people being linked to the Freedom Force were not associates of former President Fidel Ramos.

She pointed out that a good number of Ramos people are serving in her Administration like former Rep. Eduardo Ermita, Paul Dominguez and Jesus Dureza.

On moves by the Social Security System (SSS) to be strict with requirements for salary loans, GMA said she had been informed that there are a lot of borrowers who don’t pay.

She said this was unfair for other SSS members who intend to avail of salary loans.

GMA also reportred that overseas workers who are suddenly sent home by their employers in Brunei can go to the TESDA for skills training like how to run a business to help them start a new life.

On reports that juvenile prisoners are locked up together with adult inmates, GMA said the moment a detainee is proven to be a minor, he or she is immediately transferred to an appropriate detention center.

GMA also reported that the unemployment rate has gone down from 11.3 percent to 10.3 percent. This means more than a million new jobs have been created since she assumed office.

She also cited reports that Filipino workers enjoyed the highest level of salary increases in 2001 among countries in Asia.

The President also confirmed reports that the Government will allow lahar victims to own houses in resettlement areas for free. She said some 20,000 titles were given to victims during her birthday celebration early this month.

Ang Panawagan ng Pangulo is aired every Monday starting at 7:30 a.m. by the Philippine Broadcast Service at 738 khz on the AM band.