Wednesday, November 19, 2008 Palace holds prayer for 2010 and beyond
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was caught off guard after Press Secretary Jesus Dureza prayed for a possible extension of her term at the opening of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda)-Cabinet meeting in Malacañang Tuesday morning.
The President, after hearing the prayer, was heard saying "oh my God!" and called the attention of the covering photographers and cameramen to keep it "off-the-record."
Dureza at the start of the meeting prayed for the Cabinet to be blessed and to be able to attend to the affairs of the state, and for Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap who is celebrating his birthday.
He also prayed for newly elected Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile whom he described as the oldest Senate leader to assume the post. He is now 84 years old.
The press secretary also prayed for Arroyo to have forbearance and good health, so that she would be able to continue to lead the nation until the need of her term "perhaps even beyond."
"We pray for the President, that she may have forbearance, good health, and tolerance to lead this nation until 2010; and who knows, perhaps even beyond," Dureza prayed, which earned Arroyo's shocked expression and later a glare from her.
Arroyo at the end of the prayer addressed the media and asked them to leave the room adding, "that prayer is off-the-record." Dureza later reportedly asked the media if they could refrain from releasing the videos of the prayer.
The "off-the-record" request, however, was made after the event happened instead of doing it before the meeting started and before the media was allowed to cover the opening prayers. (JMR/Sunnex)
