Congress heads support Arroyo

Leaders of Congress promptly recognized newly installed President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo after Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. swore her into office.

In a joint statement, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and Speaker Arnulfo Fuentebella said "in line with our sworn duty to represent people and in pursuit of our goals for peace and prosperity to all, we declare our support and recognition to the constitutional successor to the presidency."

They said although they may not agree on the means to effect a change in the national leadership, they had to recognize "this political reality."

"We cannot be indifferent and must act resolutely," they said, noting that the Supreme Court has recognized the need for Vice President Arroyo to assume the presidency.

The two congressional leaders called on all sectors to unite and support the new government.

Pimentel is expected to stay on as Senate president. He gave up his post Tuesday night after voting for the opening of the second Equitable PCI Bank envelope that prosecutors claimed contains evidence that former President Joseph Estrada had amassed billions of pesos in ill-gotten wealth. — Jess Diaz