GMA releases P20-M fund from tobacco excise tax to Ilocos Sur

VIGAN CITY — President Arroyo announced the initial release of P20 million from the tobacco excise tax fund for 2004 during her visit here yesterday for the oath taking of local officials and the birthday bash of Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson.

She told Ilocanos here that she released the tobacco fund to fulfill the promised benefits of Republic Act 7171, which Singson authored when he was still a Congressman of the province’s first district.

The President also said that the release was also a gesture of support for the Ilocanos for their support to her in the May 10 elections. Ilocos Sur was the only province in Region 1 where Mrs. Arroyo beat opposition presidential standard bearer Fernando Poe Jr.

The President administered the mass oathtaking of all the winning local candidates, including Singson, Rep. Salacnib Baterina, Vice Gov. Deogracias Savellano, provincial board members and various municipal officials.

Citing the infrastructure projects that she implemented in Ilocos Sur in her first three years as president, Mrs. Arroyo vowed to continue her program now that she has been elected for another six-year term.

These projects include the circumferential road in Ilocos Sur going to the Cordillera, various irrigation projects, bridges and roads.

She promised to approve more government projects to Ilocos Sur.

Mrs. Arroyo noted that the exposé of Singson in October 2000 against deposed President Joseph Estrada was the start of development reforms in the country.

In response, Singson thanked the President for alloting more projects for the development of the province. — with Teddy Molina