PGMA demands full accounting of Sulpicio ferry accident

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has demanded a full report on the sinking of Sulpicio Line's MV Princess of the Stars which left at least 500 people dead and hundreds more missing.

"We have demanded the full accounting of the ferry accident. Ang Coast Guard humingi ng 15 days within which they will submit their findings," President Arroyo said during her visit to Digos, Davao del Sur early this morning.

Arroyo said the tragedy brought by typhoon Frank as well as the ferry accident "was constantly on our mind during our trip to the United States . Overseeing relief efforts was part of our daily agenda. We were in constant contact with our officials. We directed our operations practically on a minute by minute basis."

Arroyo justified the trip to the United States of almost all top government officials during (and despite the typhoon tragedy) by saying that it affirmed the strong ties between ther two nations as well as clarified certain issues between the two countries.

She listed among her accomplishments her meeting with US President Bush and other US officials which allowed the Philippine delegation to press for "economic aid, foor security and stronger military cooperation.

Arroyo was snubbed by Democrat Presidential candidate barrack Obama (who set and reset their meetings and finally spoke to the president only by phone. However, she personally met with Republican Presidential candidate John McCain.