GMA tells neighboring nations there will be healing in RP

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (AFP) — President Arroyo vowed yesterday to pursue efforts to heal her fractious nation, saying she will not be distracted by allegations of corruption against her family and the fallout from a recent military mutiny.

"I want to be a positive force for change to heal the deep divisions in my country," the embattled 56-year-old leader said in a speech to the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC) in the capital of Brunei.

"I get up everyday and work hard to that end, just as I pray to God every day for a better, more progressive Philippines.

"I’m working for even more progress going forward and I do not want to get drawn into political debates that divide our country rather than promote the unity that is so important for peace," said Mrs. Arroyo.

She outlined her programs, including rooting out corruption, reining in a budget deficit, promoting transparency in government, mitigating poverty, dealing with a Muslim separatist rebellion and quashing unrest in the military.

Apparently referring to allegations of corruption against her husband leveled by an opposition senator, Mrs. Arroyo said these were designed to distract her government from "addressing the real issues of real people like peace and the economy.

"However, let me be clear – on all allegations, justice will take its course," she said.

"As for my priorities, I will not be distracted from (working for the people) and will continue to focus on the job at hand, and that is the economy and the peace."

Opposition Sen. Panfilo Lacson, who has declared his intention to run for president in the May 2004 elections, has accused Mrs. Arroyo’s businessman husband of money laundering.

Jose Miguel Arroyo has denied the allegations and challenged Lacson to file charges in court instead of airing them in the Senate and the media.

On the mutiny by a group of junior military officers last July, the Philippine leader said those responsible will be held accountable in court.

"As president, I am proud of our achievements on both the peace and economic fronts," she said.

"The nature of my job means that there will be always be detractors and critics of my performance. The right thing for me to do is to continue to focus on the job at hand and be a positive force for change."