ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines: Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, faced with the prospect of civil unrest unless she steps down at the end of her term, vowed on Monday not to try to extend her time in office.
In her last state of the nation address, Arroyo lashed out at her critics and defended her record during her turbulent 8 and a half years in power but assured lawmakers she would not lift term limits set by the constitution.
“I have never expressed the desire to extend myself beyond my term,” Arroyo said. “At the end of this speech I shall step down from this stage ... but not from the presidency. My term does not end until next year.” She also said she will defend democracy when threatened by violence in her last months in power — a clear warning to anyone plotting to remove her by force.
The 62-year-old US-trained economist has survived four coup attempts and four impeachment bids since 2001. Her opponents have accused her of maneuvering to extend her six-year term either by amending the country’s 1987 constitution to lift term limits or by imposing martial law.
Riot police used trucks, barbed wire and shipping containers to block more than 10,000 people who braved the rain to protest outside the House of Representatives, where Arroyo gave her hour-long annual speech. Protest leaders warned Arroyo of public unrest if she clings to power.
The rowdy demonstrators set on fire a huge effigy of Arroyo, who was depicted as a decomposing figure in a red dress atop a military tank labeled “Gloria Forever.” A huge streamer read, “Gloria, you’re history.” Eleven priests in white cassocks held letters that formed the phrase, “Enough of GMA,” Arroyo’s initials.
Arroyo said her government’s fiscal measures protected the country’s economy from the global financial meltdown. She also praised her achievements in getting close to a balanced budget, ensuring education for all, next year’s automated elections, improved infrastructure and initiating fresh peace bids with Muslim and communist rebels.
Arroyo also praised Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for granting clemency to hundreds of Filipino prisoners.
“We thank all the world leaders who have shown compassion to our OFWs (overseas Filipino workers),” she said.
— With input from agencies
