Crispulo Icban Jr., editor in chief of the Manila Bulletin, will replace the late Press Secretary Cerge M. Remonde in an acting capacity.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo made the announcement at the lunch she hosted for the Malacañang Press Corps at the Palace.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo conferred today the Order of Sikatuna, Rank of Datu with Gold Distinction, on Kristie Ann Kenney, outgoing US Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Philippines.

The American lady diplomat merited the honor for her outstanding contribution to advance bilateral relations between the Philippines and the United States.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said today the lives of Filipinos have improved during her nine-year administration.

''I’ve worked hard every single day to lift up the lives of our people,'' the President said at the traditional vin d'honneur for the diplomatic corps held today at the Rizal Hall in Malacanang.

Members of the diplomatic corps, led by its dean, Papal Nuncio Edward Joseph Adams, today pledged support for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s efforts to achieve peace for the common good.