'No need to build monument for GMA'

MANILA, Philippines - There is no need to build monuments for President Arroyo when she steps down as her various infrastructure projects all over the country are enough to remind the people of her accomplishments, Malacañang said yesterday in its continuing public relations offensive to highlight the outgoing administration’s legacy.

“Long after she is gone, President Arroyo will still be remembered, and all because of the infrastructure projects she has left behind,” Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said.

Mrs. Arroyo has drawn flak for allegedly favoring her congressional district in Pampanga with over P450 million in projects apparently to help her win a seat in the House of Representatives in the coming election.

“I suppose, however, that this administration will be defined more for its ambitious infrastructure building program, undertaken to spur and sustain economic growth,” Remonde said.

He cited the famous St. Paul’s Cathedral in London erected by Sir Christopher Wren.

Inside the cathedral there is an inscription that reads “Reader, if you seek his monument, look around you.”

“In this manner, anybody who travels the length and breadth of this beautiful archipelago long after our President will have served her full term, will see the unmistakable imprint of her presidency. All he or she has to do is look around,” Remonde said.

He also said Mrs. Arroyo has cracked the whip on government agencies to make sure their projects are finished before she steps down on June 30.

He lamented what he said was the lack of appreciation for Mrs. Arroyo’s achievements.

“Now, did President Arroyo get the thanks she so richly deserves? Not on your life,” Remonde said in a statement. “I bring up the point, to illustrate how this administration must endure unfair criticism at every turn.”

He said the country enjoyed 36 consecutive quarters of economic growth despite various global challenges. The business process outsourcing industry also grew dramatically during her term, he said.

Meanwhile, Northern Samar Rep. Paul Daza said Mrs. Arroyo’s having spent close to P500 million for her home district could not be considered favoritism because his own district was able to obtain P820 million in infrastructure projects in 2009.

“Clearly, in fairness to President Arroyo, it all depends on the needs of the district. Like us, Samar needs the infrastructure projects because we are underdeveloped,” Daza told The STAR in an interview.

“What matters to the Arroyo administration is the immediate completion of these projects to bring development to the areas and the people and contribute to the overall progress of our nation,” Rep. Danilo Suarez, chairman of the House committee on oversight, said.

For his part, Rep. Pedro Romualdo of Camiguin, chairman of the House committee on good government, said the latest tirade against the President was another publicity stunt to attract voters. –With Delon Porcalla