The DFA is already coordinating with the Saudi authorities to determine the whereabouts of our worker reported missing in Riyadh.

Cabinet changes should be seen in the light of continuity or responsibility and stability of policy, both of which the administration has upheld through time.

The political and economic security we have gained is a result of smooth Cabinet transitions and each department passing the torch to the next quietly and without fanfare.

We need to create a climate of peace and order which is a precondition for a peaceful resolution of the conflict between the strikers and management.

We urge both parties to enter into these negotiations as brothers and sisters sharing a common goal of national reconciliation, ever mindful and cautious of outside parties who intend to exacerbate the situation for their own selfish agenda.

We should not confront each other as adversaries with intransigent positions, that defy national solution through consensus and dialogue.

It has been my ardent desire from day one of my presidency that the economic welfare of the poor be vigorously addressed by all relevant government agencies.

We also have a preferential priority for the poor, to give heed to their problems, to share their dreams for a better life, to help in the shaping of a strong nation – all within the context of respect for our laws.

Budget Secretary Emilia Boncodin today said she is all for the proposal that officials of government owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) who are exempted from the Salary Standardization Law must not be covered by the Security of Tenure policy.

In a radio interview this morning, Boncodin said a bill is now being pushed in Congress under which officials who fail to meet their corporate targets would have to be covered by the Salary Standardization Law.

"Kami ay sang-ayon diyan. Kapag ikaw ay exempted sa salary standardization dahil ang sabi mo ay kailangang makipag-compete sa private sector, okay na rin ako doon. Pero kailangan ay wala kang security of tenure. Para kang private sector na you can be hired and fired (kung kailangan)," she said.

(We are all for that. If you are exempted from the salary standardization rule because you say you have to compete with the private sector, it’s okey with me. But you must not have a security of tenure. You will be like those in the private sector who can be hired and fired, if need be).

Just like in the private sector, Boncodin said bonuses are given to GOCC if their performance is good. "But when it (their operation} is losing, that’s a different story," she added.

In the same interview, Boncodin said the additional cash gift to state employees, otherwise known as the Productivity Enhancement Pay (PEP) would be given as scheduled on February 14.

She said the various government departments have been asked to submit their final savings reports, on the basis of which, DBM would announce how much would be the additional incentives.