|
Friday, July 15, 2005
Editorial: Anchors to the presidency
LAST Wednesday's mass protest in Manila which saw around 40,000 people demanding President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's resignation would be a tough act to follow for the political opposition and other groups in the days to come.
As had been reiterated the two weeks prior to the President's State of the Nation (Sona) address would determine whether Mrs. Arroyo would stay in power or not if impeachment proceedings would be commenced on her.
The first week is nearing to a close and unless something dramatic happens President Arroyo would have weathered the most serious challenge to her presidency in as far as actual physical demonstration of that opposition is concerned.
Now the second week would determine in large part the viability or the survival of Arroyo's claim to leadership and the few things that have anchored her tenuous hold on the Palace are the military, the alliance of local officials and most of the Church hierarchy.
Take away those anchors plus the divided stance of the professionals, educators and academic institutions and Arroyo perhaps would sink in her ship. Perhaps because there may be other lifelines she can sink her hands into.
Right now the President is moving swiftly to repair whatever damage had been wrought with the resignations of her Cabinet officials by replacing them with new appointees.
At least one positive sign of returning business confidence emerged with the upswing in the Philippine stock market and so the current administration may look forward to additional support albeit guarded from the business community.
Then this may lend some credence to Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno's claim that the worst may be over for now for President Arroyo. But the opposition is not resting on its laurels and vows bigger actions in the second week to come.
Which brings us to the question of when former Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano would show up. As of last Wednesday's 3:00 p.m. deadline elapsed he is still nowhere to be found.
He still remains a key to resolving once and for all the question of whether Arroyo cheated in the elections--though for anti-Arroyo groups that question was settled long ago with her televised apology.
His appearance and testimony and the continuing campaign for support among the divided sectors for Arroyo's ouster will determine in the long run who will hold the reins of power in this country.
(July 15, 2005 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
|
