What Do You Think?

[jerrys1960]

copied from:

http://news.ph.msn.com/regional/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3933332


Philippine leader Arroyo vows 'smooth transition'

By Agence France-Presse, Updated: 3/10/2010

Philippine President Gloria Arroyo on Wednesday sought to calm fears that she was secretly plotting to hold on to power, promising a smooth transition when her term ends in June.

In a speech to the military, Arroyo said she would respect the nation's democratic process, which requires her to make way for a new president who is due to be elected in national polls on May 10.

"Our entire administration (is) devoted to ensure a smooth transition to a new government," Arroyo said.

"The people come first. Our accomplishments and progress to date must be passed on to new leaders to continue the forward march of progress."

Arroyo's comments follow months of accusations from opposition politicians and other critics that she is seeking a way to stay in power after her term ends, even though she is required by the constitution to step down.

Critics say Arroyo could secretly be plotting to derail the national elections, then manoeuvre to remain president amid the ensuing chaos.

Arroyo has also taken the unprecedented step of running for a House of Representatives seat in the May elections.

Her critics have alleged she may be aiming to become speaker of the house, giving her a platform to orchestrate a change of constitution that would allow her to become the nation's first prime minister.

"We do not trust the president," Butch Abad, campaign manager of the opposition Liberal Party, told AFP.

"She has shown on many occasions that she is hell-bent on remaining in power. This administration has not given us reason to believe otherwise."

Abad cited widespread allegations that Arroyo cheated to win the 2004 elections, partly through the influence of generals who were assigned to oversee crucial voting areas.

Arroyo's speech came after one of her closest aides, General Delfin Bangit, assumed the post of military chief of staff, further fanning suspicions that Arroyo was trying to hold on to power.

In the same ceremony to induct him as military chief on Wednesday, Bangit denied charges that he was appointed by Arroyo to help her stay in power.

"I am not the kind of commander who will lead our soldiers astray. I will not allow anybody to use me for partisan politics," he said.

Fears about a president seeking to subvert the constitution to remain in power hold particular resonance in the Philippines because such tactics were used by dictator Ferdinand Marcos during his rule from 1965 to 1986.

[joannaprimrose]

Secretly plotting to stay in power?!?

Her wanting to stay in power and planning strategies to stay in power is about as much of a secret as the location of the Olympics.