The Hindu : International : Arroyo remains under pressure

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Friday, Jul 01, 2005

International

International

Arroyo remains under pressure

P. S. Suryanarayana

Opposition steps up campaign for the Philippines President's resignation

SINGAPORE: Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has come under increasing political pressure following her apology for a telephonic conversation with an election official during the count-down for the final result of her re-election.

Ms. Arroyo's challenge of staying on in power, which she has vowed to do on the ground that she had not committed any misdeed, goes beyond the Opposition's allegations that she had actually sought to rig the poll.

The other major challenge flows from the allegations of corruption against her close relatives in regard to lottery slush funds. It is in this context that she is understood to be keen that her husband does not make his presence felt that could be seen as "influence-peddling."

She still seems to be banking on the general support from the top echelons of the military establishment, according to regional political observers. Cited in this context is the pledge by some military officials to maintain "stability" when she herself recently said that she was already "feeling the political heat" and that she would stay on in "the kitchen" where she belonged (a political metaphor, in fact). Analysts point out that the Opposition may have now lost a potential rallying force, a much-respected Cardinal who died only a few days ago. He was in the forefront of both the "people power" campaigns in the Philippines that had led to the fall of dictator Ferdinand Marcos and the more recent exit of an elected President. With Ms. Arroyo having become President as a direct result of the second "people power" campaign, she is trying her best to keep on her side Corazon Aquino, who became President by riding the crest of the first "people power" movement.

The Opposition, on the other hand, has once again begun to field popular film stars in its campaign against Mrs. Arroyo. Regional diplomats point to her withdrawal of the troops from Iraq, in the face of U.S. opposition to such a move, as evidence of drift in the foreign policy. Historically, Manila has had a chequered relationship with Washington, swinging from that of an ally to one of an "independent" foreign policy.

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