Related News
I will go next year, president promises
Source: Agencies |
July 28, 2009, Tuesday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
PHILIPPINE President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, faced with the prospect of civil unrest unless she steps down at the end of her term, vowed yesterday not to try to extend her time in office.
In her final state of the nation address, Arroyo defended her record during her turbulent years in power and assured lawmakers that she would not lift term limits.
"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 if threatened by violence in her last months in power - a clear warning to anyone plotting to remove her by force.
The 62-year-old 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 or by imposing martial law.
More than 10,000 people protested outside the House of Representatives, where Arroyo gave her annual speech.
In her final state of the nation address, Arroyo defended her record during her turbulent years in power and assured lawmakers that she would not lift term limits.
"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 if threatened by violence in her last months in power - a clear warning to anyone plotting to remove her by force.
The 62-year-old 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 or by imposing martial law.
More than 10,000 people protested outside the House of Representatives, where Arroyo gave her annual speech.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
