Straight from the horse’s mouth July 24, 2006

TODAY, GMA (Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) WILL SAY MANY things and promise many things in her State of the Nation Address. In the past, she said many things and promised many things in seminal speeches and statements. These include:

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“I believe that we can create a strong and modern Philippine Republic, but it will take personal sacrifice from each one of us.

“As we honor Jose Rizal today, it is fitting that I ask each Filipino to also sacrifice for our country. Our country needs our help.

“In recent years, our fundamental weaknesses have been revealed in ways that are worrisome to broad sectors of our citizenry.

“In the economy, ever since the Asian crisis in 1997, our public revenues have been steadily declining in relation to the size of our economy. This has led to persistent budget deficit.

“In society, we have become a nation deeply divided, symbolized by the polarity between Edsa II and the May 1 siege barely three months after Edsa II.

“And in governance, there is now too much politics hampering good, productive governance.

“The convergence of the national stresses such as these has led to the sense of gloom that many of our citizens now talk of. There is a feeling of too much negativism and conflict in our society.

“In the coming weeks, we will be launching a series of powerful, positive actions that will improve the life of our people.

“Major announcements will be made in January.

“However, we also know that we will soon enter the political period leading up to the elections in 2004. My reading on the political winds tells me that the 2004 election may well go down in history as among our most bitterly contested elections ever. This is because of the deep social and political division that we now have.

“If this is true, then sincere efforts to launch programs will run the risk of being derailed by political fighting leading up to the elections.

“The government in place after 2004 may merely end up inheriting a country as deeply divided as ever. Consequently, we may end up stalling national growth for a few years more as a result of lost momentum.

“In view of all these factors, I have decided not to run for President during the election of 2004.

“If I were to run, it will require a major political effort on my part. But since I’m among the principal figures in the divisive national events for the last two or three years, my political efforts can only result in never-ending divisiveness.

“On the other hand, relieved of the burden of politics, I can devote the last year and half of my administration to the following:

“First, strengthening economy; to create more jobs and to encourage business activities that is unhampered by corruption and red tape in government.

“Second, healing the deep divisions within our society.

“Third, working for clean and honest elections in 2004.

“If we achieve these, my successor as president will be in a good position to lead the Philippines through the next decisive steps for the strong and modern society. United, we can see this dream come true within our lifetime.

“Thus, I appeal to each Filipino to help in this endeavor. Following the example of Jose Rizal, let us think of country and not just of self.” (December 2002)

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GMA: “So will I still lead by 1 million overall?”

Garci: “Pipilitin ho natin ’yan.” (“We will do everything to make it so.”)

(“Hello Garci” tape, May-June 2004. GMA made no less than 15 calls to Garci for several weeks after the elections. As a result, she got a lead of more than half a million in Muslim Mindanao, universally regarded as FPJ’s bailiwick.)

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“I was anxious to protect my votes and during that time had conversations with many people, including a Comelec official. My intent was not to influence the outcome of the election, and it did not. As I mentioned, the election has already been decided and the votes counted. And as you remember, the outcome had been predicted by every major public opinion poll, and adjudged free, fair and decisive by international election observers, and our own Namfrel.

“That said, let me tell you how I personally feel. I recognize that making any such call was a lapse in judgment. I am sorry. I also regret taking so long to speak before you on this matter. I take full responsibility for my actions and to you and to all those good citizens who may have had their faith shaken by these events, I want to assure you that I have redoubled my efforts to serve the nation and earn your trust.” (July 2005).

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“President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is willing to face any impeachment complaint in order to quell the political turmoil in the country, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said on Tuesday.

“Bunye said even if they perceive the impeachment complaint as a complete waste of the ‘people’s time’ the President would be more than willing to face the charge as Malacañang sees no other way to end the ‘political grandstanding and mudslinging.’

“‘The President did not violate the Constitution. But if this move is the only way to put a stop to the prevailing political grandstanding and mudslinging, then we welcome (it).’” (news report, July 2005)

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Today, GMA will say many things and promise many things in her State of the Nation Address. Question is: Do you still believe her?

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