Lakas-CMD Reps. Eduardo Zialcita (Parañaque) and Joel Mayo Almario (Davao Oriental) expressed gratification that the President’s net trust rating in the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey improved from -33 percent last July to 24 percent this month.
"The President made unpopular and tough decisions involving shortterm sacrifices from the people, but which have long-term benefits for the country. Now, we are reaping the fruits of these sacrifices we made under the able leadership of President Arroyo," Zialcita said.
Almario, chairman of the House committee on games and amusements, said the President’s ratings have improved as people are now beginning to learn the truth on the opposition’s alleged role in the black propaganda and destabilization campaign against the Chief Executive.
President stresses national unity and reconciliation
By FERDIE J. MAGLALANG
President Arroyo yesterday urged anew the Filipino people to reflect upon the need for national unity and reconciliation as the nation continues to grapple for immediate resolution to the current political crisis haunting her administration.
In the wake of the death of former Sen. Raul S. Roco, the President said it is also an opportune time for reflection as the whole nation mourns the sudden loss of a man "who fought a good fight" in words and deeds.
"I hope that his death, sad and untimely as it may be, will be an opportunity for our people to reflect upon the need for unity and reconciliation behind truth and justice," President Arroyo said in an official press statement.
Roco, 64, who died of prostate cancer last Friday at the St. Luke’s Medical Center nin Quezon City, after his colored years in public service as an assemblyman, congressman, senator, and education secretary, his last government post before he ran and lost in the May 10, 2004 presidential elections.
The President said Roco’s life should be an example for all to emulate, especially his words and deeds that endeared him to a vast majority of the Filipino people, especially among the youth.
"In his fight for these high principles, Raul Roco never sought to harm or destroy, but to redeem and build up the nation. His memory will always remind us to want nothing else, but the welfare and interest of the Filipino people," she said.
Arroyo and Roco were once seatmates during their stint in the Senate. Arroyo and Roco are the founding presidents of the Aksyon Demokratiko party and the Kampi party, respectively.
Before his death, Roco was last seen in public view when he joined the group demanding Mrs. Arroyo’s immediate resignation over allegations that she cheated in last year’s elections.
The President paid tribute to her former education secretary who, immediately after last year’s election, has conceded defeat to her to start the healing process of the wounds of bitterness and divisiveness that marred the election they both contested.
"Let this be a moment of peace and oneness for the people in celebrating the good fight of a good man, whose moving words and deeds will certainly find a place in our history and serve as an inspiration for the generations to come," she said.
It may be recalled that Roco left the Arroyo Cabinet after he was suspected of committing irregularities by the President who has referred complaints filed against him by a group of teachers to the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC).
Roco reportedly felt slighted when the President failed to seek his explanation, even out of courtesy before she ordered the PAGC to open an investigation into the alleged graft and unethical practices he has allegedly committed while in office.
Chief Executive to avail herself of ‘all the rights of an accused’
President Arroyo last night said she will avail herself of "all the rights of an accused" guaranteed by the Constitution as she faces an impeachment complaint inn Congress for allegedly committing electoral fraud and her family’s alleged involvement in "jueteng" payoffs.
The President issued the categorical statement a few days after she established a team of defense lawyers and communication experts who will help her in impending impeachment proceedings in Congress.
"I am submitting myself to the due process, with all my rights as an accused that I am going to avail myself of," she said in her late night interview on CNN last night, erasing any doubts whether she will make herself available once she is invited to attend the hearing.
As guaranteed under the 1987 Constitution, Mrs. Arroyo, who has been accused of rigging last year’s elections to seal her victory and graft and corruption, is given "a day in court" to face her accusers and defend herself before a constituted impeachment court.
This is the first categorical statement Mrs. Arroyo has made to signify her intention to answer charges brought up against her under pain of perjury, should she be caught lying before the Senate sitting as an impeachment court.
The President reiterated her firm conviction that she did not cheat in last year’s election, nor asked an election official to rig the result of the election in her favor by a comfortable vote margin of 1.2 million.
"I can say that I have not done any culpable violation of the Constitution. I can say that I won the last elections," she said rather firmly, amid continued questions raised on her electoral victory.
Meanwhile, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye, also concurrent presidential spokesman, said the President will continue her work even while Congress begins debate on the impeachment charges against her.
"She remains steady and undistracted in her vision for the country," he said in a radio interview, adding that she is working doubly hard these days not to recoup her waning popularity, but rather to improve the country’s economic performance. (Ferdie J. Maglalang)
