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Monday, June 27, 2005
Arroyo apologizes for election blunder
MANILA -- (Updated 8:44 p.m.) President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo apologized Monday for talking with an election official about her hopes for a million-vote margin in last year's ballot, but said she did nothing wrong and would not step down.
In a nationally televised speech, Arroyo appealed for unity as she addressed the three-week-old political crisis over the wiretapped phone chat that has sparked calls for her to resign with five years left in her term.
"I recognize that making any such call was a lapse in judgment," a somber Arroyo said as she looked into the camera. "I am sorry. I also regret taking so long to speak before you on this matter.
"I take full responsibility for my actions. To you and to all those good citizens who may have had their faith shaken by this event, I want to assure you that I have redoubled my efforts to serve the nation and earn your trust. I want to close this chapter and move on with the business of governing."
It was far from clear whether Arroyo's statement would appease the opposition and leftist groups that have allied against her and held street protests. Several House of Representatives committees began hearings last week on the wiretap tapes.
"For the people, they would accept what she would say, but for those who want her out of power, they would make a telenovela out of this," Environment Secretary Mike Defensor, a close Arroyo aide, said shortly before the speech.
Arroyo spokesman Ignacio Bunye also said it was time to move on.
"There is nothing illegal here," Bunye said in a statement.
"The only value in pursuing this at this point is political embarrassment. No doubt her detractors will continue to stoke the controversy for their own personal gain. But for most reasonable people, this issue is not behind us."
The scandal erupted early this month as Arroyo was grappling with daunting problems, including rising oil prices, a huge budget deficit and security issues that have forced her to take unpopular steps like new taxes. Her popularity rating has plunged to a record low.
Arroyo also has been buffeted by accusations that her son and brother-in-law, both members of Congress, pocketed huge illegal gambling payoffs. The two have strongly denied the allegations.
A lawyer critical of the government, Oliver Lozano, filed an impeachment complaint against Arroyo at the House on Monday, calling her a "bogus president" while accusing her of violating the constitution by cheating in the elections and betraying the public's trust.
The prospects for the complaint were difficult to ascertain. At least one member of the 236-member Congress has to endorse the complaint if it is to be considered for discussion. Lawmakers have been debating whether the recordings, reportedly illegal wiretaps by military intelligence agents, could be used in legal proceedings.
A small group of left-wing activists protested Monday near the Malacañang presidential palace, calling on Arroyo to step down.
Another group staged a candlelight protest in Manila timed with Arroyo's statement.
Opposition groups have staged almost daily demonstrations against Arroyo, but they haven't matched the huge "people power" protests that led to the downfalls of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986 and Arroyo's predecessor, former President Joseph Estrada, in 2001. (AP)
Click here for a chronology of the crisis.
Click here for the transcript of Arroyo's statement. |
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