‘GMA gains support for programs’

Malacañang brushed aside as partisan bias the opposition’s criticism of the State of the Nation Address by President Arroyo, saying she has reaped popular support for her socio-economic programs spelled out in the SONA.

Contrary to allegations by the political opposition, Presidential Spokesman Rigoberto Tiglao said "there has been a groundswell of support for her SONA."

"If you look at the statements of the NGOs, there is support. There are some skepticisms, but they are expectedly from the opposition," Tiglao added.

He also said that Mrs. Arroyo’s allies in the House of Representatives and the Senate have expressed full support for the government’s socio-economic programs, although their endorsements have been overlooked.

The opposition charged that the SONA last July 23 was replete with grandiose plans which could not be implemented for lack of funds.

Tiglao hit back at Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. for calling on the President to step down if she could not stand the criticism.

Tiglao countered that Pimentel was the one who was "onion-skinned."

"The President just answered his criticisms ... (she) just cannot keep silent on his criticisms," Tiglao said.

Nextel International commended Mrs. Arroyo’s efforts to boost the telecommunications industry, and vowed to support her thrust to address unemployment and mass poverty by attracting more investments.

In a statement, Nextel president for Asia-Pacific John Jones IV said Mrs. Arroyo’s focus to boost the economy "is most welcome."

"We support you on your focus on telecommunications issue, i.e., encouraging investment and connectivity among all service providers. We will endeavor to make our own humble contribution to fulfilling the objectives with our available resources through highest ethical business standards," the statement said.

Jones expressed hopes that members of Congress would rally behind the President in her efforts to attain her goal.

"If is for the good of the Philippine economy if the government would respond to the call of the times. We trust in the humble aspiration of President Arroyo as she solicits support and cooperation from everybody, particularly government and the private sector."– Paolo Romero