We will do better next year – Malacanang   THE alleviation of poverty and the complete eradication of graft and corruption in government will still remain the top priorities of the Aquino Administration in 2012, a Malacañang official said on Tuesday. Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing in Malacañang that President Benigno S. Aquino III's advocacy to provide a just and fruitful life for every Filipino remains the main thrust of his government next year. "We will march on and continue with our reforms on poverty reduction and the eradication of graft and corruption," Lacierda said. He added that despite the strides taken to improve the country's ability to provide for its citizens through reforms in government, Lacierda said, the President expects more to be done. "Our marching orders are the same. We will do better next year," Lacierda said.  (PCOO) ________________________     FDA issues advisory on use of torotot   THE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an advisory warning the public against the possible choking hazard associated with the use of torotot or horn this New Year. FDA director Dr. Suzette Lazo said that last year, the FDA received a confirmed report that two children, aged three and eight, were brought to hospital because a part of torotot, a noisemaker, detached during use and was aspirated. The children were treated to remove the foreign objects in their airways and because of this the agency does not want this incident to be repeated. Lazo noted that certain types of torotot are made of plastic, foil and paper attached together using adhesives. The plastic object inside a device may be detached and may be swallowed by children. She advised the parents to always check the quality of the torotot before purchase and make sure that the parts are not easily removed so as not to cause hazard to users, particularly children. The FDA warned that torotots do not usually have warning labels and their manufacturers or distributors are not licensed by the agency. It has been part of Filipino tradition to make noise to welcome the New Year by using firecrackers, playing loud music or blowing the torotot. (FDA)