ARROYO ANNOUNCES SHE HAS NO PLANS TO RESIGN

UNCLAS MANILA 003161

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

DEPT FOR D, P, EAP, EAP/PMBS, EAP/PD, INR/EAP

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PINS PREL KPAO RP
SUBJECT: ARROYO ANNOUNCES SHE HAS NO PLANS TO RESIGN

REF: A. MANILA 3154


B. MANILA 3153

C. MANILA 3139

D. MANILA 3133


1. (U) Summary: In a brief pre-recorded statement delivered
July 8 on radio, President Arroyo responded to her critics
and stated that she had no plans to resign. She said she
plans to focus on getting the economy moving and on the
delivery of social services. Her remarks will not diminish
the calls for her resignation, although they may help rally
her remaining troops. End Summary.


2. (U) In a brief (two-three minutes) pre-recorded radio
announcement that was replayed on T.V., President Arroyo
rejected calls for her resignation. She said that her
resignation would merely perpetuate a "broken system,"
adding, "The President must defend (our) hard-won democracy
at all costs." Arroyo advised her opponents to pursue their
grievances through legitimate channels ("take your grievances
to Congress") and said she is ready to face impeachment
proceedings. The President announced that she would appoint
a new Cabinet in the next couple of days (she subsequently
released six new appointments) and that she would focus on
getting the economy moving again and providing social
services. Shortly before Arroyo's announcement, former
president Fidel Ramos arrived at Malacanang and held a press
conference, in which he repeated his calls for a move to a
parliamentary form of government. After the press conference
ended, Ramos posed for photos with Arroyo, in an apparent
show of support. Malacanang also announced that the
President would visit Cebu the evening of July 8.


3. (SBU) Comment: In her brief statement, Arroyo made
clear -- while acknowledging the criticism -- that she plans
to keep fighting and stay in office. It was interesting that
she stressed her aim to focus on the economy and on social
services, when in her July 7 address she had focused more on
fundamental political reforms (ref d). Her remarks will not
diminish the calls for her resignation, although they may
help rally her remaining troops, who are demoralized due to
the recent collapse in her support base (refs A-C).
MUSSOMELI