STATEMENT of His Excellency BENIGNO S. AQUINO III President of the Philippines
On the hostage-taking incident at the Quirino Grandstand
With the rest of the Filipino people, I wish to offer our deepest condolences to the families of the victims whose lives were lost in the hostage situation at the Quirino Grandstand. The Secretary of Foreign Affairs has conveyed our deep feelings of sorrow to the Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China and the people of Hong Kong through Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang. I have tasked Secretaries Soliman and Lim to provide everything necessary for the recovery and return home of the survivors. I have directed the fullest cooperation with the Hong Kong authorities on the part of our officials.
From the onset of this incident, the hostage-taker seemed to not be belligerent, as shown by the release of hostages. These were encouraging signs.
We were going to wait him out. The idea was to let the ground commanders who are the experts in this field handle the operation with minimal interference from people who are less expert.
But the situation deteriorated rapidly when, during the course of the negotiations, he was given the letter of the Ombudsman in which she promised to personally review his case. As he was reading the contents of the letter, while talking to an unknown individual on the phone, he became increasingly agitated.
The presence of his brother also added to the tension.
At this point, he threatened to kill a hostage. The police decided to remove the brother from the scene. As the negotiators were departing, the negotiators were shot at.
Media coverage of his brother being taken into custody further agitated the hostage-taker.
Shots were fired. They seemed to be warning shots, as there was no audible indication of tumult or chaos to show that the hostages were in immediate danger.
Nonetheless, the negotiators tried to reestablish contact the hostage-taker but they were unsuccessful as the cellphone of the hostage-taker was continuously busy. He also refused to answer the throw-phone provided for him by the authorities.
The escape of the driver, combined with his reports that the hostages were being harmed, forced the assault to happen. When the vehicle began to move, and with reports that he had hand grenades, a decision was made to immobilize the vehicle as it would have made the situation even more dangerous.
As we know, the incident tragically ended in the deaths of eight innocent civilians.
We expect more of the facts to come to light and I have ordered Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to thoroughly lead this review.
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Monday, August 23, 2010
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Filipinos mark momentous death of Cory Aquino
The Philippines will mark on Sunday one year since the death of democracy heroine Corazon Aquino, a momentous event that is still being felt as it propelled her son to the presidency.
The massive outpouring of sympathy after Aquino died from colon cancer at 76 prompted her son, Benigno, who was then an undistinguished legislator, to run for the nation's top job and ultimately win elections in a landslide.
"We have felt the impact of her death. The entire nation united to vote for President Noynoy Aquino," said current Vice President Jejomar Binay, a longtime supporter of Corazon Aquino who was popularly known by her nickname, Cory.
Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, another follower of the late president, said her trademark characteristics of honesty and simplicity were guiding the new administration in its infancy.
"She is a large part of our history, not just for what she did for us but for where she is leading us. Her example and legacy are what we are continuing today," Robredo said.
Sunday's anniversary will be marked with a mass and tribute at a Catholic school where Aquino's wake was held last year, and thousands of people lined up in the hot sun for hours to pay their last respects to her.
A giant television screen will be set up so more supporters can witness the ceremony, dubbed: "Her Legacy, Our Promise".
It will include a short program on her life and a speech by her son, who took office on June 30 replacing the highly unpopular Gloria Arroyo.
From housewife to democracy icon
Cory Aquino had no political ambitions and was happy just to play housewife for Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino -- father and namesake of the new president.
But when then-president Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in 1972, he cracked down on all opposition figures including Ninoy Aquino. This culminated in Ninoy Aquino's assassination by Marcos troops in 1983.
In the wake of the killing, the fragmented opposition finally united behind the widow of the martyred Ninoy, and she reluctantly agreed to lead them.
She ran for president against Marcos in the 1986 elections, campaigning to end his one-man rule and the widespread corruption of his regime.
Rampant election cheating by Marcos forces triggered a popular revolt that toppled him from power and installed the housewife as president.
During her 6 years in office, Aquino restored democracy and earned a reputation for personal honesty and modesty.
"There is genuine affection by the people for her. Among all the past presidents... Cory is best remembered. She was a housewife who had the courage to stand up to Marcos," said business leader Alberto Fenix.
Her death changed the political landscape, said Prospero de Vera, political analyst at the state-run University of the Philippines.
"It was a major turning point in the viability of a Noynoy candidacy," he told AFP, referring to the current president by his nickname.
After her death, surveys found skyrocketing support for Noynoy Aquino to run for president. Before that, he was not even considered a contender.
While Noynoy Aquino may owe much of his presidency to his mother, de Vera said the widespread reverence for her would not protect him if he stumbled as leader.
"People are slowly differentiating between Cory and Noynoy as the current administration begins its term," de Vera said.
"Even if Corazon Aquino remains popular, if Noynoy Aquino does not deliver, you will see a decline in the ratings of the new president."
The massive outpouring of sympathy after Aquino died from colon cancer at 76 prompted her son, Benigno, who was then an undistinguished legislator, to run for the nation's top job and ultimately win elections in a landslide.
"We have felt the impact of her death. The entire nation united to vote for President Noynoy Aquino," said current Vice President Jejomar Binay, a longtime supporter of Corazon Aquino who was popularly known by her nickname, Cory.
Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, another follower of the late president, said her trademark characteristics of honesty and simplicity were guiding the new administration in its infancy.
"She is a large part of our history, not just for what she did for us but for where she is leading us. Her example and legacy are what we are continuing today," Robredo said.
Sunday's anniversary will be marked with a mass and tribute at a Catholic school where Aquino's wake was held last year, and thousands of people lined up in the hot sun for hours to pay their last respects to her.
A giant television screen will be set up so more supporters can witness the ceremony, dubbed: "Her Legacy, Our Promise".
It will include a short program on her life and a speech by her son, who took office on June 30 replacing the highly unpopular Gloria Arroyo.
From housewife to democracy icon
Cory Aquino had no political ambitions and was happy just to play housewife for Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino -- father and namesake of the new president.
But when then-president Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in 1972, he cracked down on all opposition figures including Ninoy Aquino. This culminated in Ninoy Aquino's assassination by Marcos troops in 1983.
In the wake of the killing, the fragmented opposition finally united behind the widow of the martyred Ninoy, and she reluctantly agreed to lead them.
She ran for president against Marcos in the 1986 elections, campaigning to end his one-man rule and the widespread corruption of his regime.
Rampant election cheating by Marcos forces triggered a popular revolt that toppled him from power and installed the housewife as president.
During her 6 years in office, Aquino restored democracy and earned a reputation for personal honesty and modesty.
"There is genuine affection by the people for her. Among all the past presidents... Cory is best remembered. She was a housewife who had the courage to stand up to Marcos," said business leader Alberto Fenix.
Her death changed the political landscape, said Prospero de Vera, political analyst at the state-run University of the Philippines.
"It was a major turning point in the viability of a Noynoy candidacy," he told AFP, referring to the current president by his nickname.
After her death, surveys found skyrocketing support for Noynoy Aquino to run for president. Before that, he was not even considered a contender.
While Noynoy Aquino may owe much of his presidency to his mother, de Vera said the widespread reverence for her would not protect him if he stumbled as leader.
"People are slowly differentiating between Cory and Noynoy as the current administration begins its term," de Vera said.
"Even if Corazon Aquino remains popular, if Noynoy Aquino does not deliver, you will see a decline in the ratings of the new president."
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Ten Issues that Shaped 2010 Elections in ‘Diyes sa Mayo 10′
ABS-CBN lists the ten hottest and most controversial issues that shook the 2010 election season.
This Monday, the country will experience the first ever automated elections but before we make a mark in our election history, let us look back at the ten hottest and most controversial issues that shook the 2010 election season.
Join Julius Babao and Karen Davila in ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs’ election season ender special “Diyes sa Mayo 10″ this Sunday (May 9) on Sunday’s Best.
Relive the events that shaped the face of the 2010 election like the Maguindanao Massacre, the arrival of the Smartmatic and poll automation system in the country, the death of former president Corazon Aquino, the surfacing of black propaganda against candidates and many more.
Julius and Karen will also dish out the top ten “Boto Mo, iPatrol Mo: Ako ang Simula” reports sent by the boto patrollers all over the country, the top ten things voters must remember on election day, and the top ten campaign jingles that made a mark on the people’s minds.
Do not miss “Diyes sa Mayo 10″ this Saturday (May 9) on Sunday’s Best only on ABS-CBN.
This Monday, the country will experience the first ever automated elections but before we make a mark in our election history, let us look back at the ten hottest and most controversial issues that shook the 2010 election season.
Join Julius Babao and Karen Davila in ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs’ election season ender special “Diyes sa Mayo 10″ this Sunday (May 9) on Sunday’s Best.
Relive the events that shaped the face of the 2010 election like the Maguindanao Massacre, the arrival of the Smartmatic and poll automation system in the country, the death of former president Corazon Aquino, the surfacing of black propaganda against candidates and many more.
Julius and Karen will also dish out the top ten “Boto Mo, iPatrol Mo: Ako ang Simula” reports sent by the boto patrollers all over the country, the top ten things voters must remember on election day, and the top ten campaign jingles that made a mark on the people’s minds.
Do not miss “Diyes sa Mayo 10″ this Saturday (May 9) on Sunday’s Best only on ABS-CBN.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Bongbong, Noynoy one in questioning martial law
The son of the president who once placed the country under nearly 10 years of martial rule and the son of the couple who became the emblems of its opposition had a rare moment of consensus Saturday in questioning President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's declaration of martial law in Maguindanao province.
Both Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Senator Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III expressed misgivings about Proclamation 1959, which placed the province under martial rule and suspended the writ of habeas corpus almost two weeks after the November 23 massacre that left at least 57 people, including 30 journalists, dead.
President Arroyo's declaration was the first time any part of the country was placed under martial rule since the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos imposed it upon the whole country in September 1972.
"It is with some concern that we watch these developments in Maguindanao," said Bongbong in a text message. "Kailangang bantayan ng mabuti kung saan gagamitin yung pag-martial law! (We must keep watch over how the administration will use martial law!)"
Questioning the timing of the declaration, Bongbong said, "Baka Hello Garci na naman ang iniisip ni GMA at ng mga kandidato niya (Maybe Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her candidates are thinking of doing a Hello Garci again)."
Noynoy likewise urged the public to be vigilant, saying in a statement:"The people must demand an explanation of the circumstances that led the administration to resort to this action, how the President intends to use its vast powers, and for how long."
Saying martial law was unnnecessary because Mrs. Arroyo could have easily ordered the swift suspension and filing of charges against those implicated in the massacre, Noynoy called on his colleagues in Congress to meet immediately and review the validity of the declaration.
The Constitution provides that within 48 hours from the proclamation of martial law, “the President shall submit a report in person or in writing to the Congress," which may vote to revoke or extend such proclamation.
"Congress must ask the right questions, and it must act now," Noynoy said. "This is a time for all our people to be sober, discerning, vigilant, and unafraid."
Bongbong's father, the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos, issued Proclamation no. 1081 in 1972, placing the entire nation under martial rule for almost a decade. Noynoy's father, then-senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., was among the leaders of martial law's critics, but he was assassinated in 1983 upon his return from exile. Ninoy's wife Corazon--better known as "Cory" to many Filipinos--took over the presidency in 1986 when millions of Filipinos rallied around her in a massive show of protest against the Marcos dictatorship. - via GMANews.TV
Both Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Senator Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III expressed misgivings about Proclamation 1959, which placed the province under martial rule and suspended the writ of habeas corpus almost two weeks after the November 23 massacre that left at least 57 people, including 30 journalists, dead.
President Arroyo's declaration was the first time any part of the country was placed under martial rule since the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos imposed it upon the whole country in September 1972.
"It is with some concern that we watch these developments in Maguindanao," said Bongbong in a text message. "Kailangang bantayan ng mabuti kung saan gagamitin yung pag-martial law! (We must keep watch over how the administration will use martial law!)"
Questioning the timing of the declaration, Bongbong said, "Baka Hello Garci na naman ang iniisip ni GMA at ng mga kandidato niya (Maybe Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her candidates are thinking of doing a Hello Garci again)."
Noynoy likewise urged the public to be vigilant, saying in a statement:"The people must demand an explanation of the circumstances that led the administration to resort to this action, how the President intends to use its vast powers, and for how long."
Saying martial law was unnnecessary because Mrs. Arroyo could have easily ordered the swift suspension and filing of charges against those implicated in the massacre, Noynoy called on his colleagues in Congress to meet immediately and review the validity of the declaration.
The Constitution provides that within 48 hours from the proclamation of martial law, “the President shall submit a report in person or in writing to the Congress," which may vote to revoke or extend such proclamation.
"Congress must ask the right questions, and it must act now," Noynoy said. "This is a time for all our people to be sober, discerning, vigilant, and unafraid."
Bongbong's father, the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos, issued Proclamation no. 1081 in 1972, placing the entire nation under martial rule for almost a decade. Noynoy's father, then-senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., was among the leaders of martial law's critics, but he was assassinated in 1983 upon his return from exile. Ninoy's wife Corazon--better known as "Cory" to many Filipinos--took over the presidency in 1986 when millions of Filipinos rallied around her in a massive show of protest against the Marcos dictatorship. - via GMANews.TV
Comelec asked to disqualify Erap
The Commission on Elections should not allow ousted president Joseph Estrada to run in the 2010 national elections as his second stab at the presidency is unconstitutional and establishes a “bad precedent.”
Lawyer Edillo Pormento filed on Saturday a petition to disqualify Estrada as a presidential candidate in the May 2010 polls at the Comelec headquarters in Intramuros.
In his three-page petition, Pormento said the Comelec should declare the former president a “nuisance candidate” and exclude his name from the official list of candidates and from the ballots.
Estrada’s run for the presidency violates the 1987 Constitution’s provision prohibiting presidents from seeking any reelection, he said.
Pormento also argued that allowing the former president to run in the 2007 polls would create a “bad precedent” for future leaders of the country.
The Comelec’s acceptance of Estrada’s certificate of candidacy will “become a bad precedent because other former past presidents of this country would follow suit by also filing their certificates of candidacy in future presidential elections.”
“It will also defeat the wisdom behind the creation of the aforementioned constitutional provision which prescribes as one full six-year term of the President of this Republic without the benefit of reelection,” Pormento said.
Despite questions over the legality of his second bid for the presidency, Estrada filed his CoC with his vice-presidential running mate and senatorial candidates at the Comelec last Nov. 30.
Estrada said he has more right than President Macapagal-Arroyo, who is running for a local post in Pampanga, in joining the 2010 contests since he was not able to finish his term.
The former actor-turned-politician was elected president in 1998, but was ousted in 2001 in a popular uprising over corruption charges.
Estrada said his team of lawyers and legal luminaries would argue for his candidacy up to the Supreme Court.
Lawyer Edillo Pormento filed on Saturday a petition to disqualify Estrada as a presidential candidate in the May 2010 polls at the Comelec headquarters in Intramuros.
In his three-page petition, Pormento said the Comelec should declare the former president a “nuisance candidate” and exclude his name from the official list of candidates and from the ballots.
Estrada’s run for the presidency violates the 1987 Constitution’s provision prohibiting presidents from seeking any reelection, he said.
Pormento also argued that allowing the former president to run in the 2007 polls would create a “bad precedent” for future leaders of the country.
The Comelec’s acceptance of Estrada’s certificate of candidacy will “become a bad precedent because other former past presidents of this country would follow suit by also filing their certificates of candidacy in future presidential elections.”
“It will also defeat the wisdom behind the creation of the aforementioned constitutional provision which prescribes as one full six-year term of the President of this Republic without the benefit of reelection,” Pormento said.
Despite questions over the legality of his second bid for the presidency, Estrada filed his CoC with his vice-presidential running mate and senatorial candidates at the Comelec last Nov. 30.
Estrada said he has more right than President Macapagal-Arroyo, who is running for a local post in Pampanga, in joining the 2010 contests since he was not able to finish his term.
The former actor-turned-politician was elected president in 1998, but was ousted in 2001 in a popular uprising over corruption charges.
Estrada said his team of lawyers and legal luminaries would argue for his candidacy up to the Supreme Court.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
2010 Transformers Richard Gordon and Bayani Fernando Team Up for 2010 bid
Senator Richard Gordon and recently resigned Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chair Bayani Fernando on Tuesday formalized their team-up and filed their certificates of candidacy (COC) for president and vice president, respectively.
They filed under their newly formed party, Bagumbayan-Volunteers for A New Philippines (Bagumbayan-VNP), to symbolize how they succeeded in harnessing community action during their stint as local officials.
Gordon, as mayor of Olongapo City for 11 years and chair of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, was known to have led the rebuilding of the area’s economy after the the American military bases closed down. He was succeeded as mayor by his wife, Kate.
In running for president, Gordon will be facing his nephew, Olongapo Councilor JC delos Reyes, who filed his COC a few days earlier.
Fernando also turned Marikina from being a crime-ridden city into a model in basic service delivery and investor-friendliness during his mayorship for 9 years. He was succeeded by his wife, Marides.
Fernando earlier expressed his intention to run for president, but failed to get the nomination of his party, the ruling Lakas.
Vote 1, take 4
Gordon said that he and Fernando possess the same values, vision, and political will. He said they have “proven leadership” that can inspire Filipinos “to face the challenges of indifference and apathy.”
“Walang tamad sa tambalang ito, walang tanga sa tambalang ito (Nobody’s lazy, nobody’s stupid in this teamup),” Gordon said of their “transformational leadership.”
Gordon said that he and Fernando have no big funders or backers, but they still have enough resources to sustain their cam[aign. This way, he said, they can avoid becoming “pedigree, money-class politicians.”
In voting for their tandem, Gordon said, “You buy one, you take four mayors.”
The newly formed party has no senatorial slate, but Gordon said have fielded candidates in some localities.
Source: ABS CBN EWS
They filed under their newly formed party, Bagumbayan-Volunteers for A New Philippines (Bagumbayan-VNP), to symbolize how they succeeded in harnessing community action during their stint as local officials.
Gordon, as mayor of Olongapo City for 11 years and chair of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, was known to have led the rebuilding of the area’s economy after the the American military bases closed down. He was succeeded as mayor by his wife, Kate.
In running for president, Gordon will be facing his nephew, Olongapo Councilor JC delos Reyes, who filed his COC a few days earlier.
Fernando also turned Marikina from being a crime-ridden city into a model in basic service delivery and investor-friendliness during his mayorship for 9 years. He was succeeded by his wife, Marides.
Fernando earlier expressed his intention to run for president, but failed to get the nomination of his party, the ruling Lakas.
Vote 1, take 4
Gordon said that he and Fernando possess the same values, vision, and political will. He said they have “proven leadership” that can inspire Filipinos “to face the challenges of indifference and apathy.”
“Walang tamad sa tambalang ito, walang tanga sa tambalang ito (Nobody’s lazy, nobody’s stupid in this teamup),” Gordon said of their “transformational leadership.”
Gordon said that he and Fernando have no big funders or backers, but they still have enough resources to sustain their cam[aign. This way, he said, they can avoid becoming “pedigree, money-class politicians.”
In voting for their tandem, Gordon said, “You buy one, you take four mayors.”
The newly formed party has no senatorial slate, but Gordon said have fielded candidates in some localities.
Source: ABS CBN EWS
Monday, November 30, 2009
Arroyo to run for Congress
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will run for a congressional seat in the second district of her home province in Pampanga.
Arroyo, who made the announcement in an interview aired live over government-run station dzRB, said she realized she could not completely leave public service yet after nine years in Malacanang, adding that “it is emblazoned in my DNA.”
“After much contemplation, I realized I am not ready to step down completely from public service. Gaya ng alam ninyo, hiniling din ako ng mga mamamayan ng aking tahanang distrito sa Pampanga na manatili sa buhay publiko (As you all know, constituents in my home district in Pampanga are asking me to stay in public office).”
“So after much soul-searching I have decided to respond affirmatively to their call,” she added.
“To that end, I will file my candidacy for Congress in order to serve the hardworking people of my home province. Ang paglingkod sa publiko ay banal na trabaho. (Serving the public is a noble job). At a very young age it is emblazoned in my DNA,” she said.
Arroyo, who served nine years in office, becomes the first Philippine president who will seek a lower position as a member of the House of Representatives after her term ends.
The President is expected file her certificate of candidacy on December 1 through a representative, according to her lawyer Romulo Macalintal.
Arroyo’s eldest son, Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo is the incumbent representative in the province’s second district.
Arroyo assured that her congressional run would not get in the way of her presidential duties.
“My bid for Congress will be spirited but secondary to my duty as President. We have come too far and too much is at stake for me to waver in these last few months on my commitment to the people of the nation. I will keep a steady hand on the tiller of the ship of state,” she said.
She said she would devote only few time for campaigning in her district.
As a member of the House of Representatives, she also vowed to “work cooperatively with the incoming administration so they can hit the ground running.”
Arroyo said she will ensure that the needed resources are poured to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to have fair and credible automated elections.
Not seeking immunity
She dismissed talks she was seeking a congressional seat to become Prime Minister when Congress shifts to a parliamentary form of government.
“That is so hypothetical, I won’t even bother to speculate about it,” she said in the interview following her statement.
She said she was not also seeking the post to have immunity from suits.
“The only congressional immunity is from libel suit or utterances made in congressional session, hindi yun ang habol ko (That is not what I am after), this reflects my ongoing commitment to public service,” she said.
Priding her self for moving the economy forward, creating jobs, and establishing good international relations during her term, Arroyo said she intends to give the same effort, this time to her province mates.
She said she was looking forward to stepping down in June next year, but wanted to be continuously involved. She said she thought of going back to the academe to teach or work for non-profit organizations to push forward environment and women’s issues.
The signs have been present that she was not retiring yet.
Last Friday, a group of farmers form Pampanga trooped to Malacanang and urged her to continue serving them by running next year.
On Thursday, the Pampanga Mayors’ League circulated a resolution signed by 20 town mayors urging Arroyo to “heed the clamor form her constituency to run as second district representative…in Pampanga.”
Arroyo is a registered voter in Lubao, the hometown of her father, the late President Diosdado Macapagal. Lubao is among the six towns in the district, the second vote-rich area in Pampanga after the third district.
The President has visited Pampanga 47 times this year, 18 of which were made in Lubao, according to Philippine Daily Inquirer report.
Earlier in the day, at the Commission on Elections office in Manila, the President’s lawyer said the President would make her decision known by lunch today in Pampanga.
“The President has not given definite word but based on her body language, she seriously considers running,” said election lawyer Romulo Macalintal. via: http://www.inquirer.net/
Arroyo, who made the announcement in an interview aired live over government-run station dzRB, said she realized she could not completely leave public service yet after nine years in Malacanang, adding that “it is emblazoned in my DNA.”
“After much contemplation, I realized I am not ready to step down completely from public service. Gaya ng alam ninyo, hiniling din ako ng mga mamamayan ng aking tahanang distrito sa Pampanga na manatili sa buhay publiko (As you all know, constituents in my home district in Pampanga are asking me to stay in public office).”
“So after much soul-searching I have decided to respond affirmatively to their call,” she added.
“To that end, I will file my candidacy for Congress in order to serve the hardworking people of my home province. Ang paglingkod sa publiko ay banal na trabaho. (Serving the public is a noble job). At a very young age it is emblazoned in my DNA,” she said.
Arroyo, who served nine years in office, becomes the first Philippine president who will seek a lower position as a member of the House of Representatives after her term ends.
The President is expected file her certificate of candidacy on December 1 through a representative, according to her lawyer Romulo Macalintal.
Arroyo’s eldest son, Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo is the incumbent representative in the province’s second district.
Arroyo assured that her congressional run would not get in the way of her presidential duties.
“My bid for Congress will be spirited but secondary to my duty as President. We have come too far and too much is at stake for me to waver in these last few months on my commitment to the people of the nation. I will keep a steady hand on the tiller of the ship of state,” she said.
She said she would devote only few time for campaigning in her district.
As a member of the House of Representatives, she also vowed to “work cooperatively with the incoming administration so they can hit the ground running.”
Arroyo said she will ensure that the needed resources are poured to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to have fair and credible automated elections.
Not seeking immunity
She dismissed talks she was seeking a congressional seat to become Prime Minister when Congress shifts to a parliamentary form of government.
“That is so hypothetical, I won’t even bother to speculate about it,” she said in the interview following her statement.
She said she was not also seeking the post to have immunity from suits.
“The only congressional immunity is from libel suit or utterances made in congressional session, hindi yun ang habol ko (That is not what I am after), this reflects my ongoing commitment to public service,” she said.
Priding her self for moving the economy forward, creating jobs, and establishing good international relations during her term, Arroyo said she intends to give the same effort, this time to her province mates.
She said she was looking forward to stepping down in June next year, but wanted to be continuously involved. She said she thought of going back to the academe to teach or work for non-profit organizations to push forward environment and women’s issues.
The signs have been present that she was not retiring yet.
Last Friday, a group of farmers form Pampanga trooped to Malacanang and urged her to continue serving them by running next year.
On Thursday, the Pampanga Mayors’ League circulated a resolution signed by 20 town mayors urging Arroyo to “heed the clamor form her constituency to run as second district representative…in Pampanga.”
Arroyo is a registered voter in Lubao, the hometown of her father, the late President Diosdado Macapagal. Lubao is among the six towns in the district, the second vote-rich area in Pampanga after the third district.
The President has visited Pampanga 47 times this year, 18 of which were made in Lubao, according to Philippine Daily Inquirer report.
Earlier in the day, at the Commission on Elections office in Manila, the President’s lawyer said the President would make her decision known by lunch today in Pampanga.
“The President has not given definite word but based on her body language, she seriously considers running,” said election lawyer Romulo Macalintal. via: http://www.inquirer.net/
NAMFREL Condemns the brutal politically-motivated killings in Maguindanao
The National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) strongly condemns the brutal politically-motivated killings in Maguindanao of political supporters and journalists.
We call upon President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to take a firm and decisive action immediately to go after the perpetrators of this heinous crime, and for the government to consider this and other recent tragedies involving elected officials and election staff not mere election-related violence but criminal acts that need to be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law.
For Maguindanao, we call on President Arroyo to create an impartial investigative team composed of the NBI, PNP, CHR, & DOJ, that would look into this matter and submit a report that will be made public within a reasonable time. We also call upon the PNP to completely revamp their ranks in the province to ensure that their people are nonpartisan.
Once perpetrators are positively identified, we urge that they be immediately arrested and brought to Manila.
We call upon the COMELEC to move their Maguindanao office to another location, perhaps to the former provincial capitol in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat. We also urge the COMELEC to consider holding an early election in the ARMM, perhaps one week early, and to put the entire ARMM, especially Maguindanao, under COMELEC control.
NAMFREL appeals to all parties concerned to restrain themselves from retributive acts of justice, and we condemn the pervading climate of impunity, coercion and terror to maintain or secure elective positions, that give rise to warlordism and further violence.
We urge the dismantling of all private armies and the confiscation of their firearms, starting with known warring factions not only in Maguindanao but also in places that historically are considered hot spots every election.
We call on the COMELEC to impose the total gun ban now and not wait until January 2010. We call on the PNP to strictly implement the ban to prevent further violence as we approach the 2010 elections.
We call upon the PNP to expedite the investigations and resolution of past incidences of violence against elected officials and political rivals, to have the will to prosecute the perpetrators of the crime regardless of political positions and connections. We urge both the AFP and the PNP to ensure their non-partisanship especially on the ground.
NAMFREL also calls upon the Filipino people and on its volunteers nationwide to strengthen their ranks, exercise vigilance, and in their own respective areas lead in identifying and monitoring potential threat to the security situation.
Namfrel supports the COMELEC and encourages the PNP to fulfill their tasks to ensure the holding of a truly credible and peaceful elections in May 2010.
We call upon President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to take a firm and decisive action immediately to go after the perpetrators of this heinous crime, and for the government to consider this and other recent tragedies involving elected officials and election staff not mere election-related violence but criminal acts that need to be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law.
For Maguindanao, we call on President Arroyo to create an impartial investigative team composed of the NBI, PNP, CHR, & DOJ, that would look into this matter and submit a report that will be made public within a reasonable time. We also call upon the PNP to completely revamp their ranks in the province to ensure that their people are nonpartisan.
Once perpetrators are positively identified, we urge that they be immediately arrested and brought to Manila.
We call upon the COMELEC to move their Maguindanao office to another location, perhaps to the former provincial capitol in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat. We also urge the COMELEC to consider holding an early election in the ARMM, perhaps one week early, and to put the entire ARMM, especially Maguindanao, under COMELEC control.
NAMFREL appeals to all parties concerned to restrain themselves from retributive acts of justice, and we condemn the pervading climate of impunity, coercion and terror to maintain or secure elective positions, that give rise to warlordism and further violence.
We urge the dismantling of all private armies and the confiscation of their firearms, starting with known warring factions not only in Maguindanao but also in places that historically are considered hot spots every election.
We call on the COMELEC to impose the total gun ban now and not wait until January 2010. We call on the PNP to strictly implement the ban to prevent further violence as we approach the 2010 elections.
We call upon the PNP to expedite the investigations and resolution of past incidences of violence against elected officials and political rivals, to have the will to prosecute the perpetrators of the crime regardless of political positions and connections. We urge both the AFP and the PNP to ensure their non-partisanship especially on the ground.
NAMFREL also calls upon the Filipino people and on its volunteers nationwide to strengthen their ranks, exercise vigilance, and in their own respective areas lead in identifying and monitoring potential threat to the security situation.
Namfrel supports the COMELEC and encourages the PNP to fulfill their tasks to ensure the holding of a truly credible and peaceful elections in May 2010.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)