Soundbytes (From Infobytes May 16 issue)

Gloria vows to use fiscal reform funds in anti-graft drive
Pres. Arroyo vowed to invest the money generated from the fiscal reform measures she had proposed in Congress in strengthening the government’s campaign against graft and corruption within its ranks. The Pres. gave herself 3 years to win the war against corruption and vowed to achieve what Hong Kong, through an independent anticorruption commission, was able to accomplish in 7 years.
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EU help vs. corruption
The European Commission, the European Union’s executive body, said it has forked out some P202 million in international aid to the Phils. in support of the government’s anticorruption policies.
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Creation of consumers’grievance committee sought
Negros Oriental Rep. Herminio Teves sought the creation of a powerful House of Representatives special committee that would deal exclusively with consumer grievances.
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DOT spearheads drive ensuring safety of tourists
DOT Sec. Joseph Ace Durano spearheads the agency’s advocacy campaign on assuring tourists of safety while in the country through the official signing of a memorandum of agreement on security awareness.
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IMF hails passage of VAT bill
The Int’l. Monetary Fund has hailed the passage of the value added tax bill as a major step toward improving the Philippines’ fiscal situation.
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