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Monday, July 25, 2005
President Arroyo speaks of division in country
MANILA (Uploaded at 4:11 p.m.) -- "Ours is a country divided."
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo opened her second State-of-the-Nation Address with the observation of the division within the country. "The story of our nation is a story of two Philippines. Two countries under the same name," she said, as she went into the economic disparity among Filipinos. She then promised to put the country's fiscal house in order.
She was introduced in Congress by House Speaker Jose de Venecia. Her introduction was followed by a standing ovation from members of Congress and guests.
She was wearing a terno, said to be a recycled gown owned by her late mother, Evangeline Macapagal, wife of the late President Diosdado Macapagal, father of President Arroyo.
She entered the halls amid clapping and loud background music and was flanked by Senate President Franklin Drilon and de Venecia.
The session was called to order by Drilon and de Venecia.
It is her second speech on the state of the nation following her election to the highest position in government in May 2004. (Sunnex) |
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