Arroyo U-turn on re-election bid (Philippines)

[IndianaGreen]

This is a total charade on the part of Arroyo. She always intended to run again.

Arroyo came to power by means of a military coup that deposed democratically elected President Estrada.

Arroyo U-turn on re-election bid
Saturday, October 4, 2003 Posted: 1950 GMT ( 3:50 AM HKT)

MANILA, Philippines (CNN) -- Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo reversed her position Saturday, announcing that she will run for a six-year presidential term in 2004.

"I have deferred my retirement," she said to a crowd of cheering supporters.

"Some asked why I changed my mind. What matters more is that I changed my mind because there is a higher cause to change society ... in a way that flourishes our future.

"I will offer myself as the leader with the experience and vision necessary to change society, to achieve economic development, and eliminate poverty."

As vice-president, Arroyo rose to the country's highest post in January, 2001, through a military-backed people's uprising known as "EDSA 2," recalling the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos' fall in 1986.

http://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/asiapcf/southeast/10/04/arroyo.election/index.html

[bemildred]

1. I'm glad she's not doing it out of plain old self-interest.

:puke: