Arroyo hits back at critics, thanks Congress

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo gestures during her State of the Nation Address at the House of Representatives in suburban Quezon City, north of Manila, Philippines on Monday, July 27, 2009. Arroyo said she has no desire to extend her term beyond next year. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

MANILA (Updated) — She was both grateful and in fighting spirit.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo hit back at critics and denied she ever desired a term extension during her ninth State of the Nation Address (Sona) today, Monday, before Congress.

In a speech that ran close to one hour, Arroyo also expressed gratitude to Congress for several laws that were passed. These are measures on economic reforms, poverty alleviation programs like the cash doles, the rent control law, the Renewable Energy Act, the Biofuels Act, and the new Securitization Law.

She said, “I never expressed the desire to extend myself beyond my term. Many of those who accuse me of it tried to cling like nails to their posts.”

“At the end of this speech, I will step down from this stage but not from the presidency. My term does not end until next year,” she also said.

Arroyo made no mention, however, of the reports that said she would seek a position in Congress as representative of a Pampanga district in a move to protect herself from criminal charges once she steps down from Malacanang in 2010.

Without naming her critics, she cited comments made by Senator Mar Roxas on the cheap medicine law, former President Joseph Estrada on her allegedly using her position for personal profit, and Representative Jose de Venecia on Charter change. (more)