NEWSFLASH

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ELECTION GOOD FOR UNITY-- FVR

Malacanang, Jan. 27, 1998 - President Ramos is optimistic that the onset of the election season will not adversely affect the financial sector which is currently being rocked by the regional currency crisis.

"I am very confident that the unity of the people despite the economic hardships in many places will be maintained and maybe even enhanced because there is a unifying effect of these hardships and crises as our people have demonstrated over the years," the president said in an ambush interview yesterday.

He issued the statement in the wake of calls from the business sector to admit that the country's economy is indeed in trouble.

During the interview, Mr. Ramos said the economic summit he called for Feb. 11 will be attended by representatives from the Executive, Congress, business and other sectors, as well as presidential and vice presidential candidates. The summit will discuss ways on how the country can weather the crisis.

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