KONSULADO PANLAHAT NG PILIPINAS    CONSULATE GENERAL OF THE PHILIPPINES

Statement of Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye Re Pulse Asia

"Polls go up and down, but the President is focused on keeping a steady hand on the ship of state. She is dedicated to improving the economy, political stability and peace and order. In this holiday season, she
believes we must all come together and help those in our country who are less fortunate by bringing food and comfort to all people of the nation. "

PGMA puts up P5-million reward for info leading to arrest of bombing suspects:

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo put up today a P5-million reward for any information that could lead to the arrest of bombing suspects, prevent terrorist attacks or result in the confiscation of illegal explosives.

The President set up the fund following the Batasan explosion last night (Nov. 13) that killed two people, including Basilan Congressman Wahab Akbar.

Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio R. Bunye announced the President's decision at a press briefing this afternoon at the New Executive Building in Malacanang.

He explained that the reward fund is not limited to the bomb explosion that ripped the south wing of the Batasan building in Quezon City but all other bombing incidents.

The reward fund will be administered by the Philippine National Police (PNP) who can be easily contacted through its hotline 0917-847-5757.

Ambassador Gaa reiterates call to avoid speculating on the Batasan Bombing while investigation is underway

As the investigation of the bombing at the Batasan Pambansa complex is currently underway, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S., Willy C. Gaa, reiterated the call he made yesterday for everyone to avoid unnecessary speculation on the target and motive of the bombing, and wait for more information to become available.

Following statements and comments being made by various parties in media and in the internet regarding this incident, Ambassador Gaa declared, "I find it distressing to hear unfounded speculations being made
over this tragic incident in the absence of definite information as to the target and motive of the bombing. I once again call on those concerned to be a little patient and circumspect and await the results of the
investigation before jumping to any conclusions.

Ambassador Gaa further added, "President Arroyo has directed no less than the Chief of the Philippine National Police to personally supervise the conduct of the investigation of the bombing to determine its cause and motive, and to bring the perpetrators to justice. Given the progress that our country and our people have been making in the past few years, it is in the highest interest of the Philippine Government to ensure that incidents and acts of terror such as these will not be allowed to erode the people's trust in our democratic processes or derail the momentum of the progress that we have been steadily achieving."

Ambassador Gaa assures the Filipino community in the United States that the Embassy and the Consulates General will endeavor to provide timely and accurate information regarding developments in the investigation of this bombing incident. END.