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	Gov't to pursue probe of human rights victims
		MANILA, Dec. 10  -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has assured the relatives and families of the human rights victims of Southern Tagalog that the government would investigate the alleged military abuses even against them as she vowed that human rights violations during martial law would never happen again. The President made the remarks during her breakfast dialogue with the relatives and families of the "Southern Tagalog 10," a group of activists representing the victims who were either salvaged or who disappeared mysteriously 25 years ago. The meeting, held in Malacanang, coincided with the culmination of the International Human Rights Week. It was the President herself who initiated the unprecedented meeting with the families and relatives of the human rights victims to assure them that her administration has taken up the challenge to find ways and give j		ustice to the victims of the martial law regime under the late President Ferdinand Marcos. According to the victims' families, during the last week of July and the first half of August in 1977, 10 young men and women -- all honor students, outstanding teachers and professionals -- disappeared. They were never heard of ever since. The 10, whom relatives and families call the Southern Tagalog 10, belong to a network of activists in Southern Tagalog who fought against Proclamation No. 1081. The President told them that in response to their recommendation, she is now certifying as urgent a bill pertaining to salvaging and forced disappearances that the government will soon file in the House of Representatives. She said that this would be in addition to the pending bill on the compensation of human rights victims.		The President said that the bill would define involuntary disappearance as a crime and those found responsible would be penalized. She informed the group that the investigation of Southern Tagalog 10 human rights cases will be handled by the Presidential Committee on Human Rights (PCHR). The President also ordered Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to provide the PCHR all the necessary information and documents regarding the case of Southern Tagalog 10 human rights victims. She said that in honor of the bravery of the activists who fought and died during martial law regime, the government, through the National Historical Institute (NHI), will be setting up a commemorative marker in Lucena City, adding that the target date for the inauguration is on Feb. 22, 2003. (MNS)
	Arroyo in bind over Estrada house arrest - Singson
		MANILA, Dec. 10  -- Whether she supports or rejects calls to place jailed former President Joseph Estrada under house arrest, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will reap criticisms, acoording to former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson, the star witness in Estrada's plunder trial. "Whatever she decides, either (she supports) or (not), it will be a very controversial decision," Singson said. Personally, however, Singson said, "I have no comment. It's up to the court." He said that the decision "will affect her (Arroyo)." "If she favors house arrest, she will be criticized by those who are against Estrada. If she rejects it, she will be criticized by those who favor Estrada. It's a no-win situation," said Singson.		Malacanang has officially distanced itself from the issue, leaving the courts to decide on Estrada's request for house arrest on humanitarian grounds. But Housing Secretary Michael Defensor, who has been visited Estrada at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) where he is detained, said Arroyo appeared to favor the move. The call has been gaining grounds, with former President Corazon Aquino, Cardinal Ricardo Vidal, Bishop Teodoro Bacani, Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) spiritual head Ernie Manalo, and Jesus is Lord religious group leader Eddie Villanueva endorsing a house arrest even if only for the duration of Christmas. Opposition, however, is also getting louder, with militant groups saying Malacanang is using		the issue to gain points with the public to improve Arroyo's declining popularity. It was Singson, a former gambling partner of Estrada, who blew the whistle on Estrada's monthly share from jueteng, an illegal numbers game, which Estrada had ordered stopped. Singson's expose kindled a national outcry for an investigation into Estrada's alleged ill-gotten wealth, to include the Boracay mansion, a luxurious villa with white sand and a wave-generated swimming pool he bought for one of his mistresses. The expose led to Estrada's impeachment and subsequent ouster through a military-backed People Power uprising in January 2001. (MNS).
	Gov't to project RP as 'shopping capital' of Asia
		MANILA, Dec. 10  -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has approved the proposal of the Department of Tourism (DOT) projecting the Philippines as the shopping capital of Asia with Makati City as the shopping showcase. The Chief Executive approved the proposal following the program presentation by Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon during the Cabinet meeting at the Social Hall of the Department of National Defense in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. The President said she approved Makati as the country's shopping showcase because "it is easy to secure the place from terrorists." In his presentation, Gordon said the program is designed to let the whole world know that the Philippines is the new shopping capital of Asia with its great malls that offer goods and services at competitive prices.		He said Hongkong and Singapore used to be the bargain centers of Asia, but have now become too expensive. Gordon also said the program is likewise aimed at attracting tour groups whose main interest is in shopping and to spur entrepreneurial and business activity where Filipinos can now sell their products to foreign visitors. He told the President and members of the Cabinet that Makati was chosen as the shopping showcase from among other cities in the metropolis because "it is the Philippines' premier business and financial center with state-of-the-art telecommunications facilities, high-rise buildings, modern road network, world-class malls and hotels, residential condominiums, restaurants and services." Gordon stressed that Makati is a well-planned urban center and relatively "blight-free" and will give a very good image of the Philippines.		He also cited other interesting amenities Makati can offer to both the Manila residents and tourists such as golf courses, museums, spas, entertainment centers, and its proximity to the airport as well as its accessibility to and from any point within the Metro Manila area. According to Gordon, Makati is a "hub" and ideal jump-off point for leisure activities available in nearby areas such as Boracay, Subic, Tagaytay, Corregidor, Palawan, Cebu, Baguio and Banaue and Davao. It can be recalled that the DOT and the city government of Makati under the leadership of Mayor Jejomar Binay organized the Makati Tourism Related Industries Congress (TRICON) on Nov. 27, 2002 with 200 participants from the various sectors. (MNS)
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