President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is expected to arrive in Bacolod City on March 3, Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia said yesterday.

Leonardia said he was informed of the President's visit by Rey Roquero, Undersecretary of the Office of the Political Affairs, who, however, said they do not have the details yet. "I understand that her visit has something to do with the Charter Change advocacy program so people can be aware of the issues and so the government would know the stand or pulse of the people on Cha-Cha," he said.

Meanwhile, Leonardia said the P1,000 additional allowance approved by the House of Representatives last week is not yet certain. He said the mayors took up the matter in the Mayor's League and there seems to be some problems with it.

However, Leonardia said the City has anticipated a possible across-the-board increase that may be granted by the national government, and has already allocated a certain amount for it in the budget so that, in case it happens, they would be ready.

"We did this in the same manner that we also anticipated it last year and were therefore able to give cash gifts, as the possible increase was included in the budget," Leonardia said. *CGS

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