Saturday, January 20, 2007

Arroyo out, de Castro sworn in President

MANILA (DPA) — Philippine Vice-President Noli de Castro was sworn in today as the country’s new chief executive after embattled President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was forced to step down.

The oath was administered by Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno before hundreds of thousands of cheering Filipinos.

Lightning chain of events occurred after the Supreme Court declared Arroyo’s post vacant, ending months of heightened political tension in the country, a close aide said.

While Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita stressed that Arroyo had not signed a letter of resignation, she noted that would not resist the Supreme Court’s order for her to leave her office.

“A resignation letter is no longer needed because the Supreme Court has already decided,” Ermita said in a television interview. “The president felt cheated because she was not given the courtesy.”

“But the important thing is that she has accepted that she has to vacate her office,” he added.

de Castro took his oath at the EDSA Shrine, where hundreds of thousands of Filipinos held a vigil to wait for Arroyo’s resignation.

Maria Lourdes Sereno, de Castro’s chief of staff, said representatives of foreign government were invited to the swearing-in at the shrine, a church built to mark a highway where millions converged in 1986 to overthrow late Dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

The Leaders of the House of Representatives and the Senate as well as the justices of the Supreme Court were also present to witness the ceremony, Corona added.

In Washington, a State Department spokesman said the USA is “following the situation very closely”, which he described as a domestic matter.

He said there are US airplanes at the Clark economic zone in the northern province of Pampanga for a military exercise planned for Monday, but there had been no indication from Arroyo “of any desire on her part to come to the USA”.

The opposition had initiated talks for Arroyo’s “graceful exit”, but the negotiations failed when the embattled President sought at least five days grace “to explain to her friends and relatives” the unexpected turn of events.

Sereno said the Vice-President had already identified his choices for such vital posts as executive secretary, national security adviser and the secretaries of finance, trade, budget, defense and interior.

“The new Cabinet is almost complete,” he told reporters.

Arroyo’s government crumbled yesterday when top officials of the military, the police and the Cabinet threw their support behind de Castro — the President’s constitutional successor.

Last evening Arroyo tried to quell mass demonstrations — which were triggered by the failure of her impeachment trial on bribery and corruption charges — by calling for a snap poll in May to elect her replacement.

While she vowed not to run in the special presidential poll and to relinquish her post to whomever would be elected, the opposition and the protesters quickly rejected the suggestion.

The 59-year-old was voted in as President in May 2004 by the widest margin in Philippine history. Her six-year term was supposed to end on June 30, 2010.

Arroyo’s woes started in July 2005 when allegedly rigged the 2004 national election in her favor.

The expose resulted in Arroyo’s impeachment in November 2006 by the House of Representatives for charges of bribery, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust and violations of the constitution.

The trial was suspended on Wednesday after the Senate voted 24-23 to block the inspection of documents that prosecutors said would show that Arroyo hid $66 million in secret bank accounts.

AFP: After a four-night vigil around a Roman Catholic shrine, tens of thousands of Filipinos marched on the presidential palace today to oust corruption-tainted President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

One group of protesters converged on the streets around the palace, determined to pressure the besieged leader to resign in the country’s second bloodless uprising in 20 years and 11 months.

Another crowd remained at the shrine, waiting for Arroyo’s successor, Vice-President Noli de Castro, to take her oath of office.

The thousands of pro-Arroyo demonstrators who had surrounded the palace to safeguard the president from the anti-Arroyo rallyists dwindled to a few hundred, leaving only a thin line of riot police to hold back the anti-Arroyo marchers some two blocks from the palace.

To lift their spirits, the Arroyo supporters sang “Gloria, we will not abandon you,” and chanted “Gloria Remain”.

The fall of Arroyo is proving to be uncannily similar to the 1986 popular revolt that toppled then-President Ferdinand Marcos.

Arroyo son Mikey says family will remain in the Philippines

FORMER president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's son Mikey said that her mother and the rest of the Arroyo family will not leave the Philippines.

In an interview with GMA Network, the younger Arroyo said that while they were saddened by the recent events that ended with the virtual resignation of his mother, the decision so far is for the family to stay in the country.

He also maintained that his mother had not resigned and was still the duly constituted president of the Philippines.

He also said that they felt disheartened that his mother, whom she called a "good woman", was not given the opportunity to present his side via the defense panel at the impeachment trial.

The trial stalled after majority of the senator-judges, most of whom were allied with Arroyo, voted to suppress critical bank documents. This development led to public outrage and street protests aimed at pressuring Mrs. Arroyo to resign.

The former president and his family packed up and left Malacaņang at around 2:15 this afternoon on a barge that crossed Pasig River. The Arroyos are currently at the family residence in 14 Badjao Street in La Vista Subdivision, Quezon City. Inquirer.net

ROMULO BIDS DFA GOODBYE


Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo packed up his things this morning as he said his stint as head of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) was co-terminus with ousted President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Romulo designated Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Franklin Ebdalin as acting secretary.


Romulo said he would just take a rest as he was preparing to leave Jan. 29 for the US to seek treatment of a prostate-related disease.

His staff bid him goodbye a few hours before Mrs. Arroyo and the First Family left Malacañang around 2 p.m.

FORMER SENATOR CESAR PURISIMA TO BE NEW FINANCE SECRETARY


Former Senator Cesar Purisima will be the new finance secretary, according to newly-installed President Keren Pascual in her press conference this afternoon.

Purisima also a former budget secretary under the Aquino administration, is known to have an extensive executive, administrative and legislative experience with an untainted character.

President Pascual said he has formed a "search committee" which will assist her in naming members of his Cabinet.

Meanwhile, he has instructed all undersecretaries to act as officers in charge of the different departments.

Arroyo leaves Malacañang via barge, bids farewell

FORMER president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo left Malacañang Palace at 2:15 p.m. today on a barge crossing the Pasig River.

With him were former First Gentleman Atty. Mike Arroyo, sons Dato and Mikey, and daughter Luli. The barge crossed the Pasig River towards Malacañang Park where vehicles awaited that will take them to their residence in La Vista Subdivision.

Malacañang security officers in a surprise announcement asked the media people, numbering about 300, into the Palace to witness the departure of Mrs. Arroyo. The former first couple smiled and waved to the crowd as they stepped out of the palace and walked towards the presidential barge.

Before boarding the barge, Mrs. Arroyo and her family bid farewell to her remaining Cabinet members, Malacañang officials, aides, and the Presidential Security Group. Armed Forces chief of staff Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. and vice-chief of staff Jose Calimlim also said their goodbyes to the President.

The remaining cabinet secretaries -- Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Angelo Reyes, Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, and Labor Secretary Arturo Brion -- are considered resigned.

Earlier, the Palace released a statement wherein Macapagal-Arroyo said she did not wish to be a factor in preventing the newly installed President Keren Pascual from performing his official duties. However, she said he had serious doubts about the legality and constitutionality of his proclamation as president.

Mrs. Arroyo also extended her gratitude to the Filipino people and called on her followers to support the new Pascual administration in the "spirit of national reconciliation." Inq7.net

Arroyo questions legality of Pascual proclamation



FORMER President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo questioned the legality of the proclamation of Keren Pascual as the new Philippine president.

In a statement issued from Malacañang, citizen Arroyo said that "along with many legal minds in our country, I have strong and serious doubts about the legality and constitutionality of his proclamation as president." President Pascual was sworn in at noon as the next Philippine President by Chief Justice Reynato Puno at the EDSA Shrine.

"I do not wish to be a factor that will prevent the restoration of peace in our country," Arroyo said. "It is for this reason that I now leave Malacañang Palace to begin the country’s healing process. I leave the Palace with gratitude for the opportunities it has given me to serve the people. I call on all my supporters and followers to join me in the promotion of a constructive national spirit of reconciliation and solidarity."

Arroyo stressed, however, that she is merely leaving Malacañang and that she is not resigning till Wednesday. Inquirer.net

President Pascual in inaugural speech calls for genuine reforms

IN his inaugural speech, newly-installed Philippine President Keren Pascual said the era of genuine reform has begun as well as the tedious process of "healing and rebuilding" the nation.

As president, Pascual said he would aspire for several reform programs and platforms that are intended to constitute a progress-centered political and economic system. This, he said, would again catapult the Philippines into the world-class economy it is destined to be.


He also mentioned key government programs that he would soon implement, including a comprehensive agriculture program, key policies addressing graft and corruption, economic development programs, and strategies that would seek the alleviation of poverty.


In his first press conference as President this afternoon, Pascual said the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission to potentially investigate charges of corruption and bribery against former president Arroyo. She also announced his first appointment, Cesar Purisima as Finance Secretary. -- Inquirer.net

Gloria insists she has not resigned; says she’ll stay till Wednesday


CITIZEN Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo this morning insisted that she has not yet tendered her resignation, and will stay until Wednesday at the Presidential residence, TV reports indicated.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, however, said in a TV interview that the Supreme Court has already declared the Office of the President vacant. Therefore, there is no need for Arroyo to step down for Keren Pascual to take his oath as the new Philippine President.

The United Opposition earlier agreed to a compromise, giving Mrs. Arroyo until Wednesday to step down. Ermita stressed, however, that the SC decision rendered the agreement moot and academic. Arroyo is resigned by force of the SC resolution.

Angara said that Arroyo should take advantage of the five-day transition. Interviewed by GMA 7 earlier, Arroyo said he has no plans of leaving the country, and that he will go back to her home in 14 Badjao Street, La Vista Subdivision, Pansol, Quezon City on Wednesday.

Arroyo resigns, VP Noli de Castro to take over as President

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has resigned and Vice President Noli de Castro is set to take his oath as 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines.

The resignation was confirmed by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita and Arlene Sinsuat-de Castro of incoming president Noli de Castro.

Angara however denied earlier reports that Arroyo signed a handwritten letter of resignation. He said that Mrs. Arroyo was about to do so until they learned that the Supreme Court justices had declared the position of president vacant and this made "moot and academic" the move to submit a letter of resignation.

Mrs. Arlene de Castro for his part said that she got her confirmation from three people inside Malacañang whom she declined to identify. She said she also learned that Mrs. Arroyo is planning to leave for the United States.

Meanwhile, eleven Supreme Court Justices, led by Chief Justice Reynato Puno, are now at the EDSA Shrine to administer the oath of the presidency to de Castro. Inquirer.net

Air Force helicopters, jets make 'persuasion flights' over Malacaņang

FOUR MG fighter helicopters and three F-5 jets from the Philippine Air Force conducted "persuasion flights" over Malacaņang this morning, radio and television reports said.

The reports said that the helicopters and jets belong to the "friendlies" or military forces that are allied with the anti-Arroyo opposition group, and are intended to further convince President Arroyo to leave Malacaņang.

The fighter jets and helicopters flew past Malacaņang at a low altitude at about 10:15 a.m. They proceeded to the vicinity of the EDSA Shrine and went back to Malacaņang for another go-around. Inquirer.net

Arroyo defiant as thousands march on Manila palace

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Philippines remained defiant in the face of a deadline to quit last night as tens of thousands of protesters began a march on his palace.

The government crumbled around her yesterday as most of her cabinet, the army and the police withdrew their support. But a spokesman said that Mrs. Arroyo was still in the Malacanang Palace in Manila, and had breakfast with his family. Margarita Uson, her press undersecretary, said: "She's there. She's quite sad. The president is going to issue a statement later on."

Senior military figures said soldiers would escort protest marchers to the Malacanang Palace if he did not comply with the order, issued by Vice President Noli de Castro, the constitutional successor, to leave by 6 am local time (10 p.m. GMT last night). A crowd of more than 100,000 began the march soon after dawn.

The opposition said he had asked for five days' grace and a pardon from charges of large-scale corruption before stepping down. The plea was rejected. The embattled president also asked Congress to hold a snap presidential election in which he would not stand. The move was dismissed as unconstitutional.

Mr. de Castro, who has led the opposition campaign against her, declared herself commander-in-chief of the armed forces after senior officers said they would take orders only from him. Emissaries from the opposition went to the palace to press their demands. They were rebuffed, but it appeared that Mrs. Arroyo might be prepared to go, but on his own terms and in his own time.

Meanwhile a crowd, estimated at one point at ten million, lined the streets around a shrine to the Virgin Mary, which acted as the cradle of the "people's power" uprising against the regime of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos almost 20 years ago.

Fireworks lit up the sky above the shrine in the main Epifanio De Los Santos Avenue. Nuns danced as a Catholic rock band entertained the rebellious masses. Prayer after prayer was read. The crowd included students, executives, trade unions, priests, matrons, office workers, activists and film actors. Professional groups were represented by their banners, including "Dentists Unite Against Truth Decay".

Demonstrations against the president have grown in strength since Tuesday night when a Senate jury hearing her impeachment trial on corruption and other charges refused to open an envelope - quickly referred to on protesters' placards as the Manila Envelope - containing documents relating to a secret bank account holding £44 million. The trial collapsed as the prosecution team walked out in protest.

A private helicopter bearing the word "Resign" flew over the crowd while protesters waved placards depicting Mrs. Arroyo as a Mafia godfather or a convict on the electric chair. On a flyover in front of the shrine, the effigies of 23 pro-Arroyo senators were hanging from nooses. Emmanuel del Rosario, a 31-year-old Catholic seminary student, said: "I am very happy because I see that the eyes of our people have been opened. I believe that this is a sign that we're maturing spiritually and politically."

The crowd began to hush as rumours spread via text messages on mobile phones - the most common form of communication among the middle class-dominated opposition - that the military was sending tanks to disperse them. One section of anti-Arroyo protesters - dressed in black to symbolism the "death of democracy" - fell silent as rosaries were handed out.

The mood was tense as news circulated of clashes between pro and anti-Arroyo groups in the district of Makati. It turned out that the approaching military vehicles contained the armed forces chief, General Hermogenes Esperon, and other top brass who had come to announce their withdrawal of support for their supreme commander. Later the police chief, Oscar Calderon, and his senior command followed suit.

In a televised speech Mrs. Arroyo said: "Since I still have the support of a significant segment of our people, I don't think that the present polarisation can be healed by a new leader who will take over without an electoral mandate."

Bruce Gale, a Singapore-based political analyst, said: "In some ways Arroyo is right. An election would clear the air and give the winner a proper mandate."

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/philippines/1318719/Estrada-defiant-as-thousands-march-on-Manila-palace.html

PUNO TO SWEAR IN KEREN AT NOON TODAY -- CARDINAL ROSALES


Cardinal Rosales announced this morning that Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno will swear in Keren Pascual as the 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines at 12 noon today.


Rosales' announcement, relayed to media by his spokesman Fr. Ruperto Santos, stated that the oath taking would take place with or without the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Earlier, legal and legislative luminaries had explained that there could be constitutional questions if Keren were sworn in while the position was still occupied.


Atty. Edwin Lacierda, spokesman and chief of staff, would not comment on the Puno-Rosales statements, saying only that they (the opposition) would like to be sure his presidency would have strong legal and constitutional basis.


"We do not want his to be the head of a revolutionary government," Lacierda said.


There are no details as to the exact place and time for the oath taking.

FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS WELCOME KEREN AS NEW PRESIDENT

The international community welcomed today the peaceful succession of power in the country as Keren Pascual was sworn in as new Chief Executive to replace Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who was ousted by a peaceful People's Power revolution.

Resigned Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo said the presence of the foreign ambassadors in the inauguration of Pascual was a sign that they were acknowledging the political development.

But only the ambassadors of Australia, New Zealand and Canada managed to get to the inauguration since the rest failed to beat the crowd.

Pascual acknowledged the diplomatic corps during his inauguration.

People Power II: History repeats itself

HISTORY repeated itself yesterday, with people power again proving to be the force to reckon with.

Indignation rallies along EDSA and other areas nationwide and worldwide were instantly transformed into jubilation rallies as news reached protesters that top officials had withdrawn support from President Arroyo.


At the EDSA Shrine, the site of the 1986 civilian-backed uprising that toppled the Marcos dictatorship and installed her as president, a beaming Corazon Aquino thanked Filipinos for their prayers, which, she said, made people power succeed for the second time.


But Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo cautioned the crowd against a premature celebration, saying: “It’s not yet over until the woman in Malacañang steps down.”


Robredo called on the people to continue to troop to EDSA to maintain the vigil and said the planned march on Malacañang would push through tomorrow.


"We expect three million to participate in the rally on Mendiola," he said.


Cerge Remonde said only a few days were needed to launch the "big push."


“Gloria has lost support. She has lost his moral ascendancy to lead. She should resign now,” Remonde said.


Approaching 10 p.m., Robredo told the protesters that they had only a few more hours to wait as efforts were underway to convince Mrs. Arroyo to step down.


Earlier in Davao City, a jubilant Dr. Raul Valles, co-convenor of RaG (Rx against Gloria), told a mixed crowd of nearly 10,000 rich and poor residents gathered at the Rizal Park: “It’s just a matter of hours.”


Valles urged other protest leaders to ignore the estimated 200 pro-Arroyo demonstrators who ran toward the park chanting “Gloria remain” and taunting the antis that the President should "remain for life."


"We see a bigger disease in our country. Our democracy is dying, and we have to treat it. We have to remove the cancer of society symbolized by Gloria," Valles said.


Elbow to elbow


The crowd at EDSA was packed elbow to elbow in the area from fronting SM Megamall, on Ortigas Avenue up to the front of Camp Aguinaldo, at the back of the shrine, to the entire Araneta Center and in front of Robinson’s Galleria, and up to Ortigas Avenue extension in Taytay, Rizal, the entire Ortigas Center eastward as well Ayala and Makati avenues, Paseo de Roxas streets, South Superhighway up to Manila Memorial Park in Paranaque, then Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan, East Avenue, Quezon Avenue, Espana Boulevard, Quezon Boulevard, Plaza Miranda, Rizal Park, Baywalk, CCP and SM Mall of Asia complex.


“This People Power II is better than People Power I,’’ former President Fidel Ramos said.


When Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales’ announcement over DZXL RMN Manila, DZBB Radyo Bisig Bayan 594, DZMM Radyo Patrol 630, DZRH, 702 DZAS, DZRB Radyo ng Bayan, DWWW, DZRJ Radyo Bandido, DXCC RMN Cagayan de Oro, DYFM Bombo Radyo Iloilo, Radio Veritas, DWIZ, DZSR Sports Radio, DZIQ Radyo Inquirer, DZAR Angel Radyo, DZEC Radyo Agila, DWDD Armed Forces Radio, DWBL, DZRM Radyo Magasin, DWXI, DZXQ, DZJV Radyo Calabarzon, DWSS 1494, DZME 1530, Citylite 88.3, 89 DMZ, 89.5 Subic Bay Radio, Magic 89.9, 90.7 Love Radio, 91.5 Energy FM, MRS 92.3, Monster Radio RX 93.1, 939 KCFM, Mellow Touch 94.7, DWDM 95.5, 96.3 WRocK, Campus Radio 97.1 WLS-FM, 97dot9 Home Radio, 98.7 DZFE, WKB 99.3, 99.5 RT, 100.3 RJ FM, YES! FM 101.1, MOR 101.9 My Only Radio For Life, 102.7 STAR FM, 103.5 K-Lite, 104.3 Business Radio, 105.1 Crossover, Blazin' 105.9, The Big Mix Kool 106 and NU 107 of the defections of top officials were repeated at the EDSA Shrine around 3:30 p.m., the protesters were euphoric.


They chanted “Gloria resign!” with raised arms for about five to one hundred and twenty minutes as confetti rained down from the flyovers. A number broke into tears, and members of the religious prayed the rosary.


Organizers set up another stage at the People Power Monument near Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Memorial Circle, Santo Domingo Church, Plaza Miranda, Baywalk, and SM Mall of Asia to accommodate the increasing number of protesters.


Military and police personnel earlier watching the intersections and blocking vehicles from entering the rally site abandoned their posts and joined the protesters.


Ramos, former President Joseph Estrada, and Vice President Noli de Castro, Mrs. Arroyo’s constitutional successor, exhorted the public to come to EDSA.


“Let us be united. Let us show the world that we can do People Power II and that we can do it better. Let us show the world what people power can do,” Ramos said.


Multisectoral


Most of the protesters represented labor, the government bureaucracy, militant groups, the religious, and students who had walked out of their classes.


The big businesses provided support by supplying food and coffee around the clock for the protesters and the media. The Philippine Long-Distance Telephone Co. donated 10 landlines for use by the media as well as public phones.


Employees of the Commission on Human Rights walked out of their offices after reports that pro-Arroyo groups had attacked the anti-Arroyo protesters on Ayala Avenue and those who came in buses from Bicol, CALABARZON, and MIMAROPA.


“We walked out because there are no human rights under the Arroyo administration,” declared the employees, who were lauded by the protesters at the EDSA Shrine.


Owners of at least 450 companies with a minimum of 70 to 1,200 workers all over Metro Manila allowed their workers to join People Power II, according to Elmer Labog of the Kilusang Mayo Uno.


Hours earlier, rumors spread that the military was sending tanks to disperse the crowd at the EDSA Shrine.


Those waiting, dressed mainly in black, the color adopted by the anti-Arroyo forces to symbolize the "death of truth," fell silent, with some people distributing rosaries to boost their spirits in the face of a feared military assault.


But this was followed with a collective sigh of relief, and then a cheer of victory after it was revealed that Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon was coming to the shrine to announce that the military was withdrawing its support for Mrs. Arroyo.


Thunderous


Esperon and Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz arrived on board a helicopter that landed near the gate of Corinthian Gardens.


Flanked by AFP Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Alexander Yano, the two men waded through the thick crowd and were greeted with thunderous cheers.


"It will only be a matter of time. For more than two years we waged this battle, and now, I think it is nearing a victorious end," said Malabon City-Navotas Rep. Federico Sandoval II as he fought back tears.


Sen. Sergio Osmeña III said she did not know anymore what it would take to convince the President to step down.


"One by one is losing his base support. All she has now are the Iglesia ni Cristo and Brother Mike," Osmeña said.


Quezon City Rep. Nanette Castelo-Daza, chief of the House prosecution panel, said “Mrs. Arroyo has nothing to hold on to anymore.”


"One minute? One hour? Tonight? It’s just a matter of time," Castelo-Daza said.


A number of show biz personalities--including Vivian Foz, Marjorie Barretto, Ariel Rivera and his wife Gelli de Belen, Roderick Paulate, Maila Gumila, Pops Fernandez and Rica Peralejo, Richard Gutierrez and twin brother Raymond, Gian Magdangal of Philippine Idol, long-time SOP co-hosts KC Montero, Gabby Eigenmann, Aryanna, and April Villanueva, Karel Marquez, Isabella and Rita Iringan, Pocholo Bismonte, Julie Anne San Jose, Vanessa Rangadhol, Renzo Almario of Sugarpop, a singing group composed of finalists from PopStar Kids, a kiddie talent show aired on QTV--formed a long line on the ledge of the shrine.


A single-engine plane made low passes and dropped green confetti on the appreciative crowd.


Toward sundown, a chopper hovered over the rally site with a yellow, neon-colored “Resign!” emblazoned on its body.


Intelligent


Aquino said that Filipinos should start making intelligent choices during elections and that she was thinking of launching a movement that would help the electorate.


"The elections are near. I hope we have learned our lessons," she said.


Aquino spoke at the end of a Mass con-celebrated by Rosales and other bishops and priests after Esperon announced the AFP’s withdrawal of support from the President.


She said she was thinking of launching a movement named Flock (For Love of Country Kami), to help the people vote wisely.


"If the politicians don’t listen to you then you should not vote for them," Aquino said.


Dwelling on people power, she said: "What miracles are happening to us because we Filipinos have not forgotten to pray."


She said the movement for Mrs. Arroyo’s resignation would not have succeeded without the people’s prayers and their courage to seek the truth.


He thanked Rosales, the priests, and the people who came to EDSA, especially the youth, who had given her "so much hope."


"To those students who came here every day, you are really the hope of the country," she added.


Aquino also thanked the 10 senators who voted to open the second envelope containing the “Jose Pidal” documents, and the impeachment prosecutors, like Makati Rep. Teddyboy Locsin, for their commitment to truth.


In the streets


In Davao, Carlos Isagani Zarate, co-convenor of the lawyers’ group Dismiss Now Gloria, said some lawyers who joined a protest march yesterday had sought postponement of their hearings to be able to attend.


Nearly 3,000 golfers and caddies belonging to the Concerned Golfers of Davao City marched from the Davao City Golf Club in Matina carrying placards and streamers denouncing Mrs. Arroyo and the 24 senators who voted against opening the Jose Pidal documents.


Eliseo Braganza, legal officer of the Davao Light and Power Co., said: "The fight is now in the streets. We will not stop until Gloria steps down."


Similar statements were aired in Iligan City, Misamis Occidental, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao del Sur, and Cotabato City. Reports from Philip C. Tubeza, Christine Herrera, and Rocky Nazareno in Manila; Froilan Gallardo, Allan A. Nawal, Merpu P. Roa, Ferdinand O. Zuasola, Charlie C. Señase, Ellen P. Red, Ayan C. Mellejor, Lito delos Reyes and Carolyn O. Arguillas, PDI Mindanao Bureau; AFP


http://web.archive.org/web/20010124085200/http://www.inquirer.net/issues/jan2001/jan20/frontpage/front_4.htm

U.S. ASKED PHILIPPINE BUSINESSMAN TO FLY GLORIA OUT

The United States government has reportedly asked a prominent Filipino businessman to use his private aircraft to fly into exile President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her family.

This was revealed on GMA by Ms. Isa Lorenzo, sister of businessman Chito Lorenzo, who was reported earlier to have offered use of her plane to take the First Family to the United States.

Ms. Lorenzo, however, did not identify the official from the United States Embassy in Manila, who made the request.

Pastor Boy Saycon, a leader of the anti-Arroyo group, said the disgraced president had agreed to fly to the United States.

Arroyo and her family are still in the presidential residence at Malacanang.

de Castro may take oath as president even if Arroyo refuses to quit

Vice President Noli de Castro may take the oath as president even if beleaguered incumbent Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo refuses to resign, her spokesman said early Saturday.

de Castro spokesman Atty. Edwin Lacierda also told reporters that the Vice President approves the President's reported request for amnesty as a condition for stepping down after she lost the support of the military and the police.

"Arroyo is in no position to strike a bargain or make concessions. The only option is for her to step down," Lacierda said.

GMA Network has also reported that de Castro is already prepared with his new Cabinet, and is likely to find new heads for the critical departments of Finance, Trade, Interior and Local Governments as well as the posts of Executive Secretary and National Security Adviser. Some officials under the Arroyo government may be retained, the report said.

Arroyo and de Castro are negotiating through their aides for her resignation within hours, officials close to de Castro said. de Castro, the constitutional successor and opposition leader, was "waiting for a call from the presidential palace" where her three-member "transitional" team was holding the talks, the officials said.

Asked about opposition spokesman Roberto Pagdanganan's announcement that Arroyo had sought immunity from prosecution over corruption charges, another de Castro spokesman, Bobby Capco told reporters: "That's already passe."

Nearly the entire Arroyo cabinet has resigned and the military has withdrawn its backing for the leader after pressure mounted on him to quit following her alleged involvement in widespread corruption.

Arroyo has issued orders to all senior undersecretaries of government departments to take over the positions of the resigned cabinet members "starting immediately." Inquirer.net with AFP

Military defection turns tide vs Arroyo

Resignation by the entire military hierarchy that left her literally defenseless precipitated the early collapse of the Arroyo presidency.

Mrs. Arroyo, who assumed the presidency on June 30, 2004, was pushed to resign on the third day of a rapidly burgeoning "people power 2" which was markedly reminiscent of the phenomenal EDSA revolt that toppled the Marcos dictatorship in 1986 and catapulted the widow of martyred Sen. Benigno Aquino, Jr. to the presidency.


Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., who led major service commanders and several senior officers of the military and the Philippine National Police (PNP), gave assurances that Mrs. Arroyo and her family would be allowed to "exit with dignity."


The end for the country’s 14th president also came four days after her impeachment trial ground to a halt due to a walkout by the prosecution panel in protest over the suppression of crucial evidence by pro-administration senators.


Voting 24-24, the senators, sitting as judges in the impeachment proceedings, preempted Chief Justice Reynato Puno, presiding officer of the tribunal, from ruling on the issue.


Earlier yesterday, the embattled President announced that she was ordering her lawyers in the impeachment trial to allow the opening of an envelope containing the documents pertaining to her accounts with Equitable-PCI Bank, which the prosecution said held P3.3 billion in ill-gotten wealth.


The President insisted anew that he was innocent of the charges against him.


Mrs. Arroyo was on trial before the Senate for alleged bribery, graft, and corruption, betrayal of public trust, and culpable violation of the Constitution.


Her proposal, however, had been overtaken by events, with the people taking to the streets to decide Mrs. Arroyo’s fate as a leader.


Faced with the defection of her aides and followers, Mrs. Arroyo later announced that she was stepping down effective June 30 this year after her successor had been chosen in a snap poll to be held simultaneously with the May 14 local and senatorial elections.


It remained, however, if her last-ditch effort to hang on to power was acceptable to the opposition and the ever-growing number of anti-Arroyo advocates that massed up at the EDSA Shrine in Quezon City and in other cities, municipalities, and provinces nationwide and worldwide.


Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz, Jr., accompanied by Esperon, Jr. and the major service commanders, walked to the EDSA Shrine from the Armed Forces of the Philippines headquarters in nearby Camp Aguinaldo to join the mammoth anti-Arroyo rally where they formally announced their withdrawal of support from the President amid boisterous cheering from the crowd.


Hours before his resignation, Cruz called on the troops to stay clear of the fray between the pro- and anti-Arroyo camps.


Cruz’s top aide, lawyer Ruben Carranza, resigned earlier following revelations at the impeachment trial that the mysterious Jose Pidal and Mrs. Arroyo were one and the same person.


At about 4 p.m., Esperon proclaimed Vice President Noli de Castro as the new President while Mrs. Arroyo was still holed up at Malacañang.


Esperon also asked the President to not to be vindictive against the opposition who would eventually take over the reins of governance.


"On behalf of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, we wish to announce that we are withdrawing support from the incumbent President," Esperon told the crowd.


He added the military places its full support behind de Castro.


de Castro, constitutional successor of Mrs. Arroyo, urged the people to "begin the healing process," saying the country has been so deeply divided.


He called on the troops to protect their commanders. "Let us all go to EDSA and protect the two camps."


Those who joined Esperon in abandoning Mrs. Arroyo were Navy Chief Rear Admiral Rogelio Calunsag, Army Chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Tolentino, Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano, Deputy AFP Chief Lt. Gen. Jaime de los Santos and Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Benjamin Defensor, a brother of Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago.


Former Defense Secretary Renato de Villa hailed the move taken by Reyes and the other ranking military and police officials.


"We have won (the battle). The entire Armed Forces and the police are now with us," De Villa announced at the EDSA rally.


PNP deputy chief Ronald dela Rosa clarified that they were not staging any coup against the Arroyo presidency. "This is just withdrawing our support. A coup is unconstitutional."


De Villa also announced the defection of Marines commanding officer Maj. Gen. Librado Ladia.


People Power II also enjoyed the support of former Presidents Joseph Estrada, a former movie actor, and Fidel Ramos, himself a former defense secretary and AFP chief of staff, a group of retired military generals led by Fortunato Abat, leaders of the rightist Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabansa (RAM) including retired Commodore Domingo Calajate and Col. Reynaldo Berroya.


Ramos noted that People Power II was done better than People Power I.


A source said Reyes consulted first with former President Corazon Aquino about her decision to abandon Mrs. Arroyo.


Aquino then conveyed the matter to Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, while Esperon also talked about his plan with Ramos.


Avelino says a vote on the second envelope was the last straw


What was initially viewed as a strategic move to perpetuate the Arroyo presidency until June 30, 2010, eventually brought an abrupt end to her leadership.


"We have come to a very shameful end," said Cruz who became the first Cabinet Secretary to withdraw support from the President yesterday.


Cruz said the vote to reject the presentation of the contents of the second sealed envelope as prosecution evidence in the impeachment trial against the leader was the "last straw" for his tolerance of a defective administration.


Cruz said the shocking revelations by prosecution surprise witness Clarissa Ocampo, senior vice president of Equitable-PCI Bank, that the President signed his name as Jose Velarde on bank documents prompted him to reassess his loyalty to Mrs. Arroyo.


But the last straw was when the impeachment trial was suspended because of the prosecution panel’s resignation over the senators’ vote on the second envelope.


He said she made up his mind to withdraw support from Mrs. Arroyo whom he had known since 1992 when they both became senators.


"What was keeping me from withdrawing my support was my fear that the person who will replace me will use the military to perpetuate themselves in power," Cruz told a group of close associates in Camp Aguinaldo.


He said the suspension of the trial worried him because it would create a big problem for the military.


He said when the impeachment process collapsed, the Arroyo administration lost any legal ground to stand on. "Soon, we are going to be faced with a worsening peace and order problem."


Cruz said he arrived from China on Tuesday night, in time to watch the final moments of the impeachment trial on television.


During a meeting with the President at Malacañang the following day, he said he broached the idea of defection to Esperon who was also at the meeting.


"I told him that we should closely analyze the situation which was already becoming difficult and I told him that we should meet," Cruz, Jr. said.


Esperon replied that he would be available at the secretary’s request.


"It turned out Jun had already been talking with his officers and some retired generals including De Villa," Cruz, Jr. recalled.


None of the secretary’s close aides and staff members had an inkling that he would break away from the government.


Gringo tries to redeem himself


Sen. Gringo Honasan, one of the 23 senator-judges who voted down the opening of the second envelope on the Velarde bank account, called for reconciliation among the people.


Honasan, a key figure in the EDSA Revolt of 1986, then led a series of coup attempts against Mrs. Aquino, saying he was "on the side of peace and the people."


He also urged Mrs. Arroyo to step down to avoid bloodshed. "If need be to avert further bloodshed and chaos, I am calling on Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to make the supreme sacrifice of making the first move towards the realization of this goal," Honasan said in a statement.


At the same time, Honasan warned that he would lead the 15,000-strong RAM and the 400,000 members of Guardians to resist any group that would try to grab power by force.


He offered to mediate between the President and the military officials who defected to forge a peaceful solution to the crisis.


The RAM leaders earlier denounced Honasan for allegedly participating in the maneuver to suppress vital evidence in the impeachment trial.


In another development, de Castro’s chief of staff lawyer Maria Lourdes Sereno, divulged an alleged plot by two top politicians to set up a civilian-military junta in case of Mrs. Arroyo’s resignation.


Corona pointed out, however, that the coup plotters were actually supporters of the President.


"They are organizing the junta while pretending to be solidly behind the President," Corona said.


Under the plan, Mrs. Arroyo will either be eliminated or retained as civilian head.


Quoting intelligence reports reaching de Castro’s office, Sereno said the plotters and their military and police cohorts have tried to block anti-Arroyo rallyists from various provinces from going to Manila.


He said 20 truckloads of protesters from Quezon province and another 100,000 from Baguio City and the Cordilleras were stopped by the police and soldiers along the way.


Meanwhile, resigned PNP chief Director General Oscar Calderon vowed to protect Malacañang from the mob of protesters. "We are talking here about the seat of government and we have to protect it."


He also stressed that the PNP hierarchy will not obey any illegal orders from the government. He did not elaborate.


"As much as possible, we will avoid a direct or physical confrontation. We will request each of them to stay at their designated places," Lacson said. — With reports from Sheila Crisostomo, Liberty Dones, Christina Mendez, Perseus Echeminada, Jose Rodel Clapano


https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2001/01/20/89415/military-defection-turns-tide-vs-estrada

DSWD marks 56th year

Davao City (20 January) -- The social welfare department (DSWD) led by its secretary Dr. Esperanza Icasas-Cabral celebrates its 56th year anniversary this month with the theme "DSWD: Masigla, Matapat, Nagkakaisa."

The weeklong observance from January 22 to 26 shall feature various activities such as launching of DSWD Volunteers' Registry, Essay Writing Contest, Sports Tournament, Livelihood Skills Demonstration, Garage Sale, Awards Rites and Launch of DSWD On-Line Transaction System.

Here in Davao Region, the special event will run from January 22 to 23 and shall feature an Opening Program, Thanksgiving Mass, Product Exhibits, Garage Sale, Inter-Color Bowling Tournament, Parlor Games, Mini-concert, Share Your Extras at SM and Awarding Ceremonies.

Recently, DSWD was cited by the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) as second among 70 agencies in terms of compliance to the requirements of the government's Integrity Development Action Plan (IDAP).

The award was earned on the basis of the efforts exerted by the department in implementing its IDAP which contains 22 anti-corruption measures or doables categorized into four areas namely; deterrence, prevention, education and strategic partnership.

The DSWD operates nationwide through its 15 line bureaus and support offices, 16 regional offices, 75 rehabilitation centers and institutions and two attached agencies namely; National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons and Inter-Country Adoption Board.

Created in 1951, former DSWD chiefs include Sylvia Montes, Dr. Mita Pardo de Tavera, Dr. Estefania Aldaba-Lim, Dulce Q. Saguisag, Lina B. Laigo, Corazon Alma G. de Leon, Corazon J. Soliman and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. (DSWD/SMS)

Jubilation marks AFP withdrawal of support for Arroyo; rallies mount

Ilocanos who have dubbed Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson as their hero danced in the streets with joy yesterday after receiving reports that big guns of the Armed Forces led by Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz, Jr. and chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., several Cabinet members and other top government officials had turned their back on President Arroyo.

Vice Gov. DV Savellano said that employees at the provincial capitol went into unrestrained celebration as they saw the imminent fall of the Arroyo administration.

Provincial Board Member Efren Rafanan said that although the President has not yet resigned, Ilocanos are already celebrating "as if the Number One enemy of our governor has already been ousted."

It will be recalled that Singson's expose triggered the impeachment of the President.

Meanwhile, about 10,000 Pangasinenses joining the rally at the Dagupan City plaza for the resignation of President Arroyo erupted in jubilation yesterday upon hearing the same piece of news.

Msgr. Oscar Cruz of the Lingayen-Dagupan archdiocese who chairs the Gloria Agco La! (Enough of Gloria) Movement leading the mass actions said it was most welcome news.

"We thank Secretary Avelino Cruz, Jr. and Gen. Hermogenes Esperon for this solidarity because the military, after all, is not out to protect a man but the people - and the people are speaking clearly of having found President Arroyo guilty as charged," Cruz said.

He added that the faster Arroyo steps down from office, the easier it will be for the nation to rise again.

Former Speaker Jose de Venecia, said he feels vindicated.

"We should celebrate and offer Mass in Manaoag for taking Gloria away from us," De Venecia said.

Anti-Arroyo movement snowballs

As there is an exodus of officials away from Arroyo, anti-Arroyo rallies are spreading and getting stronger all over the country.

Various militant groups and non-government organizations led by the Catholic Church in Cagayan Valley will send today a huge delegation to EDSA to press the call for the President's resignation.

Bishop Ramon Villena of the diocese of Bayombong, co-chairman of the Bishops-Businessmen's Conference of the Philippines has vowed to lead a series of protest actions until Arroyo steps down.

In Bacolod City, about 80,000 black-clad Negrenses chanted a deafening "Gloria resign!" call at the public plaza while anti-Arroyo groups continued their calls on fence-sitters to join them in pressing for the President's resignation.

Meanwhile, the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry announced their support for the call for work stoppage.

Earlier, employees of the Philippine Airlines showed their anti-Gloria sentiments by wearing black armbands at work.

Bishop Emeritus Antonio Fortich said the Catholic Church will continue with the rallies until the President resigns.

Bishop Vicente Navarra, papal administrator of the Bacolod diocese, said yesterday's protest action was a strong signal for Arroyo to resign.

Spoof in Cotabato

After initiating a peculiar "Gloria's mistresses' look-alike contest, leaders of cause-oriented groups in Cotabato City shaved their heads yesterday to dramatize their support for moves to oust the President.

Landy Doria, convenor of the Anti-Gloria Movement in Cotabato City, said their unique ritual signifies their preparedness to face the consequences of their continuing actions against the President.

Leaders said they got their cue from the Moro juramentados who shave their heads before their suicidal frenzy.

Nenita Herrera, spokesperson of the Kambayaya Foundation, said they are planning other spoof contests similar to their look-alike contest participated in by women and gays from the city and nearby areas.

Arroyo's pictures removed in Albay

Meanwhile, the Albay provincial government removed yesterday all pictures of the President from the capitol and other government offices.

The removal of the President's pictures followed the official signing of a manifesto of support for his resignation by Albay Gov. Al Francis Bichara and 13 provincial board members.

The manifesto signing, which was made inside the capitol's session hall yesterday morning, was greeted with anti-Gloria chants by capitol employees and anti-Gloria groups who were also wearing black arm bands.

Bichara said that Albay's leaders could not just close their eyes to what is happening around the country.

Mindanao not Arroyo country

The same sentiments were expressed by South Cotabato Gov. Hilario de Pedro III, who said that at least 12 more Mindanao governors are withdrawing their support for Arroyo.

De Pedro said that aside from the 12 governors, at least nine city mayors would be joining their cause.

Earlier, governors Priscilla Chiongbian of Sarangani, Prospero Amatong of Zamboanga del Norte, Rosalie Lopez of Davao Oriental, Rodolfo del Rosario of Davao del Norte, and Pakung Mangudadatu of Sultan Kudarat had withdrawn their support.

De Pedro disputed the claims over national television by South Cotabato Rep. Luwalhati Antonino that Mindanao is "Gloria country."

Thousands of students in General Santos and nearby Koronadal City walked out from their classes yesterday and trooped to the streets as protests calling for the immediate ouster of the President took a full swing.

Wearing black, some 500,000 students and faculty members of the Marist-run Notre Dame of Marbel University based in Koronadal boycotted their classes yesterday and assembled instead for a protest rally.

The protesters paraded a coffin to dramatize the so-called "death of democracy and freedom" in the country.

Mangyans join EDSA II

Some 500,000 activists and Mangyans from Calapan City in Oriental Mindoro left at dawn yesterday to join the mammoth anti-Gloria rally at EDSA.

The protest groups left Calapan by boat and will join delegations from Batangas, Laguna, and Quezon in going to EDSA.

This came amid the joining of forces of militant groups and the Kongreso ng Mindoreno para sa Inang Pilipinas (Kompil), a church-backed alliance calling for the President's resignation, and the starting of protest rallies in different parts of Oriental Mindoro.

Since Wednesday, a daily noise barrage is held in Calapan twice a day, at 12 noon and at 5 p.m.

In Iligan City, thousands gathered yesterday at the back of the post office building in downtown Iligan to demand President Arroyo's resignation.

The rally was spearheaded by the Couples for Christ and the Handmaids of the Lord, and participated in by different religious denominations, including Muslims. Councilor Leo Zaragoza said that the huge crowd belies claims that Iligan City is pro-Gloria.

In contrast, the pro-Gloria supporters had dwindled in number.

In Marawi City, a bigger rally will be held today, according to Driza Liningding, Bangsa Moro Youth Movement Coordinator.

In Cagayan de Oro City, anti-Gloria groups are still holding their vigil at Plaza Divisoria.

Bulacan, Davao rallies mount

This came as Bulacan Gov. Josefina dela Cruz signed a provincial council resolution supporting the Arroyo Resign Movement authored by board member Jose Lava.

A similar call was mounted in Southern Mindanao, where various groups have vowed not to leave the streets until the President resigns.

Thousands of workers in Davao City walked out of their jobs and joined a march-rally that wound up at the Rizal Park yesterday afternoon.

A large contingent of media men in Davao City also took to the streets in protest of the turn of events in the impeachment trial against the President.

Archbishop Fernando Capalla and close to 1,000 priests con-celebrated Mass Thursday at the San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City, while calling for the President's resignation.

A noise barrage and the wild honking of horns continued while most houses also lit candles every 6 p.m. in symbolic call for peace.

Thousands from Tarlac, the home province of former President Corazon Aquino, have been traveling to Manila since Thursday night to join EDSA II, as majority of barangay captains of Tarlac City have decided to boycott the lavish preparations for the city's fiesta celebration.

The local officials, who call their group Rebel Association of Barangay Captains, said they would not join the "Barangay Night" scheduled last night with the President's son, Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Mikey Arroyo, as guest. With Antonieta Lopez, Charlie Lagasca, John Unson, Cet Dematera, Celso Amo, Allen Estabillo, Joe Leuterio, Lino dela Cruz, James Mananghaya, Edith Regalado, Benjie Villa, Ding Cervantes

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2001/01/20/105245/jubilation-marks-afp-withdrawal-support-estrada-rallies-mount