Speaking hours after opposition legislators filed an impeachment complaint against her in the latest move to force her out, scandal-plagued President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo yesterday urged Congress to change the constitution to shift to a parliamentary form of government to ease the Philippines' constant political instability.
"The system clearly needs fundamental change -- and the sooner, the better," Arroyo, the subject of an impeachment complaint filed earlier in the day, said in her annual state of the nation address to a joint session of Congress.
A parliamentary system -- where lawmakers can vote out a sitting government -- would ease the upheaval that accompanies ousting a leader who has lost the ability to govern.
The first "people power" revolt that ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986 was widely hailed, but the second that forced out Arroyo's predecessor, Joseph Estrada, in 2001 came under criticism for setting the bar too low to throw out an elected government.
Referring indirectly to the two "people power" revolts that have forced out two presidents since 1986 and a constant rash of coup attempts and takeover rumors, Arroyo said in the 20-minute speech that her nation had become too polarized to make the changes it needs to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
"Ours is a country divided," said Arroyo, who has come under pressure to quit with nearly five years left in her term over allegations that she rigged last year's election. "One is a Philippines whose economy ... is now poised for takeoff. The other ... has become a hindrance to progress."
She suggested that Congress set up a constituent assembly to tackle the issue of charter change, but she made no mention of a time frame or whether she would be willing to step down early.
Former president Fidel Ramos has called for making the changes in time for a referendum early next year, followed by new elections in May.
Arroyo briefly outlined a 10-point "phase 2" of her ambitious economic reform program to ease poverty, create jobs and attract foreign investment.
Arroyo's former national security adviser, Representative Roilo Golez, said her speech was aimed at winning "brownie points" from lawmakers, who would enjoy wider powers under a parliamentary system. It also was meant to "divert the attention of the public by starting a national debate away from charges that she rigged the 2004 elections," he said.
Arroyo, looking tired with bags under her eyes after dealing with the two-month-old scandal, touted her administration's accomplishments in generating 4 million jobs over the last four years, fighting drugs, curtailing kidnappings and easing a bloody Muslim separatist insurgency in the south.
She said the economy grew more than 6 percent last year and continues to expand despite high oil prices.
While some opposition members boycotted the address, Arroyo got a long ovation as she approached the podium, dressed in a long blue gown that was owned by her mother, former first lady Evangeline Macapagal.
RSS