Word: arroyos
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...Philipines: Arroyo's sacrifice
...Arroyo quickly promised major new initiatives to bolster the fragile economy, which is burdened by a hefty budget deficit, falling manufacturing output and rising unemployment. She also said she would consider a proposal by a top ally, House Speaker José de Valencia, to form a "unity government" that would include representatives from all opposition parties, the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Communist Party...
...Arroyo says she is sacrificing her political career for the public good. But by renouncing the leverage of incumbency, she may have turned herself into a lame duck. She has also exposed her country to an unusually drawn-out presidential race, raising the likelihood that little will get done. "She should have made this announcement right after she assumed office two years ago," groused veteran Senator Aquilino Pimentel. "She could have mobilized public support she needed at a crucial stage of her administration...
...ever-skeptical Manila, there are suspicions that Arroyo's pullout was a cynical play for public support-and that she'll later decide to run after all. But the 55-year-old former economics professor and devout Catholic is widely viewed as a straight shooter. Many assume she's simply lost her taste for the game-not least because so little has gone right since she took over. The Philippines, she said, is "now closer to the category of backward countries, wherein powerful, selfish interests are able to exploit poverty and ignorance." She also complained of a political atmosphere filled...
...President from being re-elected. (Ramos boosters say the constitution only bars Presidents from serving two consecutive terms.) The People Power II rebellion achieved its goal of getting one President out of the ornate Malacañang Palace and installing another. By announcing her plans to leave office, Arroyo may be signaling that the revolution is over-and now it's back to politics as usual...