MALACAÑANG has aired its gratitude for the message of sympathy conveyed by the United States through Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to the victims of calamity in the Philippines notably in Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga and Nueva Ecija.

“Maraming salamat po sa concern and we welcome these remarks . Ang alam po natin malaking tulong po ’to. Kaalyado po natin ang Estados Unidos and it is very encouraging that they have shown concern for us and the other ASEAN nations that are likewise affected,” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said.

Lacierda, however, assured that the government has enough fiscal space to handle the calamity.

The Palace spokesman cited the assurance of Finance Chief Cesar Purisima.

The Philippine government “has enough fiscal space” to address concerns with respect to calamity funds given the extent of the damage to agriculture products and infrastructure caused by the twin typhoons that hit Central Luzon just recently, Lacierda said.

He indicated that the Palace is not keen in considering asking Congress for a supplemental budget to increase the P8-billion calamity fund that would help address the damages caused by typhoons “Pedring” and “Quiel” which are pegged at P13.8-billion.