Citing the dramatic economic gains as the cornerstone of her presidency, more local officials yesterday expressed confidence in the capability of President Arroyo to govern and steer the country to progress.
Governors, city mayors, and congressional allies strongly condemned the calls for her to step down, labeling such calls us "unfair and unconstitutional."
La Union Gov. Manuel Ortega said the political crisis is being engineered by politicians aching to grab power before the 2010 presidential elections.
"There are also some sectors who, having an axe to grind against the President, want to impose their biased will on the greater majority of the people by exploiting mere allegations on ZTE NBN issue," Ortega said.
Gov. Alvaro Antonio, chairman of the Cagayan Provincial Development Council, led 20 mayors headed by Gattaran Mayor Ramon Nolasco, LMP chapter president, in expressing all-out support to President Arroyo.
Calbayog City Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento, chairman of the Regional Development Council in Eastern Visayas, said, "The Filipinos should not be swayed and deceived by the scripted plays of oppositionists who have consistently played villain roles to national development."
Tarlac City Mayor Genaro Mendoza said, "PGMA is steering the nation to progress through an integral approach, taking into account the varied needs and requirements of the different local government units, advancing not only the interest of our city but the rights of every Filipino as well."
In a handwritten statement, Candon City, Ilocos Sur Mayor Allen Singson stated, "This is to signify our support for the present administration and President Arroyo. That charges against persons concerned should first be proven and not merely presumed."
Arlene Espinosa Zambo of Toledo City, Cebu said the "present political turmoil is without no doubt another baseless means to cause instability and anxiety among Filipinos. We, the people of the City of Toledo, condemn the call for the President to resign from office."
Jose Montelibano of Silay City, Negros Occidental, in his open letter of support, said, "We stand firm in our belief that you are not involved in any of the allegations being made by your detractors. We believe in your vision and have full trust that your leadership will see us through any political and economic crisis."
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