Arroyo to get first paycheck

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is receiving her first half-month paycheck as president this week, and she intends to deposit it in the bank.

"I will put it in the bank," Mrs. Arroyo said during a press conference. She assumed office last Jan. 20.

As president, she will receive a monthly pay of P50,000, excluding government deductions.

Her predecessor, ousted President Joseph Estrada, had his monthly paychecks turned over to his Erap Para sa Mahirap Foundation which sends poor but deserving students to school.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Arroyo reassured the 1.2 million government workers that they will continue to receive their salaries despite the projected P225-billion budget deficit. — Marichu Villanueva