I will go next year, president promises

Source: Agencies | July 28, 2009, Tuesday |

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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.

World

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I will go next year, president promises

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