[Philippines] President to focus on addressing poverty

From The Manila Times

PRESIDENT Arroyo has committed to end poverty in the aftermath of the stampede at the Philsports Arena (formerly Ultra) in Pasig City on Saturday where many of the victims came from poor neighborhoods in Metro Manila.

In a statement released by Malacañang Sunday, the President said that as the nation grieves with the families of the victims, the people should also not forget the compelling circumstances that led to the tragedy.

“Let us commit ourselves to end despair and raise hope, by joining hands and working together to fight abject poverty,” Mrs. Arroyo said.

At a roundtable on Friday with Ambassador to Washington Albert del

Rosario, the President pointed to the country’s improved economic standing as reflected in its upgraded ratings from the Bearns Investment Agency and other credit-rating agencies.

Critics of Mrs. Arroyo had blamed her for the stampede, saying she failed to ease poverty of the country.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and Gregorio Rosal, the spokesman for the New People’s Army, said desperation drove the people to look up to TV game shows like Wowowee as a source of instant money.

“The loss of lives and the injuries sustained by scores of others clearly belie the administration’s claim that the economy is in good shape. People would not risk being crushed to death if times were good,” Pimentel said.

Sen. Serge Osmeña said the stampede was “an indescribable tragedy.”

“It’s a blot on our society. The lack of serious effort in alleviating poverty,” Osmeña said in a text message.

Presidential Political Adviser Gabriel Claudio defended the President, saying Pimentel and Rosal were trying to politicize the issue.

“The government has nothing to do with the circumstances of the stampede in Ultra,” Claudio said.

In a telephone interview, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita called on the detractors of the administration to refrain from speculating since it will not help in the speedy resolution of the stampede.

Malacañang also reiterated its assurance to the relatives of the victims that criminal and social justice will be served, and those responsible will be taken to account for their negligence.

Pimentel also ruled out the need for a new law that would enforce strict security measures during events where large crowds are anticipated.

Pimentel said there are enough laws covering negligence.

“The creation of a new law should be studied carefully as to its necessity. Remember the Ozone Disco incident in 1996? I think what we need to do is to just apply the present law, if you ask me, the deeper problem is poverty for which President Arroyo must plead guilty and for which she should be removed,” he said.

Osmeña agreed with Pi­mentel. “We don’t need a new law, government agencies can easily issue rules. Just like calibrated preemptive response [CPR],” he said.

Pope Benedict XVI said late Saturday he was “deeply saddened” by the stampede disaster and offered his condolences and prayers to the victims.

The Pope’s message was contained in a telegram sent by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano to the bishop of Pasig district, Francisco San Diego.

“The Holy Father offers his prayers for all those affected by this terrible accident,” it said. “In a special way, His Holiness asks Almighty God to grant solace to the injured and to those who are mourning the loss of their loved ones.”
--Sam Mediavilla and Patricia Esteves