World | Philippines
Arroyo 'will not be a Thaksin'
Philippine President Gloria Arroyo will not suffer the fate of Thailand's Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra whose deputy took over his post yesterday, a Philippine political adviser said.
- By Barbara Mae Dacanay, Bureau Chief
- Published: 00:00 April 6, 2006
Manila: Philippine President Gloria Arroyo will not suffer the fate of Thailand's Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra whose deputy took over his post yesterday, a Philippine political adviser said.
"The two leaders are facing completely different situations that are unique in their respective countries," said Arroyo's political adviser Gabriel Claudio.
The political crisis in the Philippines and Thailand are "not the same", Claudio said. Right now, the Philippines has "every reason to look and move forward to better things ahead, unlike the situation in Thailand". "The prospects of national stability, harmony, and economic progress are now more vivid and real in the Philippines."
"Filipinos are tired of political bickering and confrontation. Despite the relentless agitation by the opposition, there is no upheaval against President Arroyo or the government."
After attempts to undermine the Arroyo administration, the opposition could not proceed with their plans to unseat her because their plans were revealed as "illegal and unconstitutional", Claudio said.
Since last year, opposition leaders have called on Arroyo to resign over alleged election fraud in 2004.
Meanwhile, Arroyo's husband Joe Miguel Arroyo said he would give his wife a special gift on her 59th birthday, for having quelled two coup plots against her. He did not give details.
Five Filipino senators have launched the Gloria Resign Movement at the upper house of Congress, saying it was a birthday gift for her. The five include Senate President Franklin Drilon, Senators Aquilino Pimentel, Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada, Ana Consuelo Madrigal, and Panfilo Lacson. They said their campaign can unseat Arroyo.
"We would be going on a road-show across the country during the Lenten break in Congress, to drum up support for Arroyo's resignation," said Pimentel.
House Speaker Jose de Venecia, an Arroyo ally, said the presidential form of government in the Philippines has protected Arroyo's term until 2010.
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