|
Arroyo to hold first news conference in two-month crisis
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-07-27 10:19
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, facing impeachment over
vote-rigging allegations, was set to hold her first news conference Wednesday
since the worst crisis of her presidency erupted two months ago.
The impeachment complaint, filed by opposition lawmakers Monday, alleges she
"cheated and lied" to obtain and hold power.
Arroyo has denied manipulating the closely fought May 2004 poll by discussing
vote-counting with an election official before she was declared the winner. She
has said she's ready to face an impeachment trial to clear her name.
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
gestures while making her State of the Nation Address (SONA) at a joint
session of congress in the House of Representatives in Manila July 25,
2005. [Reuters] | The scandal, coupled with accusations her family received kickbacks from
illegal gambling, has stoked new military restiveness and highlighted the poor
Southeast Asian nation's constant struggle with political instability.
In her state of the nation address Monday, Arroyo ignored the impeachment
complaint and called for an overhaul of the country's democratic institutions to
shift from the current U.S.-style presidential system to a parliamentary
government.
Such a move would help end the Philippines' massive "people power" street
protests that may be turning into a tool for destabilizing governments. In a
parliamentary system, lawmakers can vote out a sitting government without the
often lengthy hearings necessary to impeach a president.
Arroyo gave no indication she would be willing to call early elections.
Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said Arroyo, whose approval ratings have plunged to
all-time lows, was set to embark soon on a tour of provinces to try to generate
support for the government reform plan.
The 58-year-old U.S.-educated economist has shunned media interviews in the
last two months and used taped television or radio broadcasts to get her message
across.
|
 | | | American women call for end of war | | |  | | | Israeli forces storm Gaza settlement | | |  | | | South Korean, DPRK separated families hold video reunions | | |
|
| |
 |
|
|
|
|
Today's
Top News |
|
|
|
Top World
News |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
