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Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Survey says Arroyo most corrupt president
MANILA -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was picked the most corrupt leader in Philippine history by the largest number of people in a survey released Tuesday - even more than late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who allegedly stole billions of dollars during his 20-year rule.
The nationwide survey by independent pollster Pulse Asia found that 42 percent of Filipinos believed Arroyo is the country's most corrupt leader, compared to 35 percent for Marcos.
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The survey was conducted October 20 to 31 as the government was embroiled in a bribery scandal involving a national broadband contract with a Chinese company. Arroyo was later forced to cancel the deal.
There was no immediate comment from Arroyo.
Cabinet Secretary Ricardo Saludo said the results show "what happens when media publishes accusations and insinuations against the government without bothering to verify or even ask for the basis of charges."
Marcos, who was ousted in the country's first "people power" revolt in 1986, was accused of stealing billions of dollars from the country during his rule.
The survey said 16 percent of respondents picked Joseph Estrada - Arroyo's predecessor - as the most corrupt.
Estrada was forced out of the presidential palace amid massive anti-corruption protests in the second "people power" revolt in 2001. He was convicted of plunder in September but was pardoned by Arroyo about a month later.
Former President Fidel Ramos, who ruled from 1992 to 1998, was behind Estrada with five percent, followed by Corazon Aquino with one percent. Aquino was swept to power by the revolt that ousted Marcos.
Arroyo survived impeachment bids in 2005 and 2006 for alleged corruption and election cheating. A third attempt this year also was defeated by pro-Arroyo legislators in the House of Representatives.
Pulse Asia said its interviews were conducted at a time when the nation was swamped with news reports on alleged cash handouts to officials at the presidential palace, renewed calls for Arroyo to resign, a Senate investigation into the broadband contract, the presidential pardon of Estrada, and a reported rift between Arroyo and House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.
The face-to-face survey of 1,200 people has a margin or error of three percentage points, it said. (AP)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Bacolod. (December 12, 2007 issue)
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