|
Friday, July 08, 2005
Arroyo says she's not stepping down
AMID mounting calls for her to resign, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said in a recorded message Friday afternoon she will continue to focus on the people's business of getting the economy moving.
"With all due respect to former President Corazon Aquino and others, I say that their actions call deep and grievous harm to the nation because they undermine our democratic principles and the very foundation of our Constitution," Arroyo said.
"Once again we are subverting the rule of law and perpetuating a system that's broken and will remain broken until fundamental reforms are put in place. As former President Aquino is will aware the president is charged by the nation to defend our hard won democracy at all cost," she added.
Arroyo asked those who have grievances to go to Congress, as she is willing to submit to due process as set forth in the Constitution.
Former President Aquino joined various sectors Friday in calling for President Arroyo's resignation.
She said she made the appeal to Arroyo when she talked to the President last night.
Aquino said "the country cannot continue in its tumultuous state."
Aquino said a voluntary resignation by Arroyo is the fastest and most orderly path as she stressed that she does not want to judge Arroyo's "lapse of judgment" by talking to an election official during the election period.
Arroyo said she will announce within a couple of days her new Cabinet.
"This team will be made up of individuals whose commitment to our nation and the democratic principles will be beyond doubt," Arroyo said. (Sunnex)
Related stories :
Ex-President Aquino backs calls for Arroyo to quit |
|
