Arroyo wants Congress to focus on budget, JPEPA

President Gloria Arroyo wants Congress to focus on the country's economic growth and the peace and order situation rather than raising up issues from the past.

Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye said in a statement, "The agenda of economic growth and peace must prevail over attempts to pull us back from winning these goals."

"The President urges Congress to start working on the budget bill. She seeks the Senate’s cooperation in the ratification of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA)," Bunye said.

He also cited the bill for affordable, quality medicines.

"Let us work together to help the people the best way we can. Gridlock must not stand in the way of our collective right to a brighter future," the presidential spokesperson said.