Allies to GMA: Ignore ratings, continue reforms

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo’s allies in the administration-controlled House of Representatives yesterday urged her to continue with the reforms she has started and ignore the negative ratings she has been getting, saying being a president is not a popularity contest.

“There are decisions that might be unpopular in the midst of the global financial crisis but should be implemented with reasonable dispatch for the benefit of majority of the people,” said House Deputy Speaker for Mindanao Simeon Datumanong in reaction to a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey that more than half of Filipinos are dissatisfied with the performance of Mrs. Arroyo, giving her a “bad” net satisfaction rating of minus 32 percent.

The Maguindanao lawmaker also said that in these trying times, it’s not about being popular but being right, as in the case of the fiscal reforms Mrs. Arroyo had instituted at great personal political cost.

“She’s not even a candidate. The President has the duty and mandate to serve the people until June 2010 and she should not be disturbed or affected by a survey rating,” Datumanong said.

Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez, chairman of the House committee on oversight, said the President may be “unpopular as a person but if you base it on her performance, she’s actually doing well.”

Another stalwart, Bacolod City Rep. Monico Puentevella, chairman of the House committee on transportation and communication, said the President is doing great, although she still remains unpopular.

“No way to resignation at this stage. (She should not) mind the survey. Just do what’s good for the country. History will judge her,” said Puentevella.

But a member of the House opposition bloc, Gabriela Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan, stressed that Mrs. Arroyo’s -32 dissatisfaction rating strongly suggests that she should immediately resign from office.

“The progressive bloc has been calling for her resignation these past years and we continue to call for that. The survey means that a majority of the people are tired of this selfish government,” said Ilagan.

Suarez also asked religious groups to help the government address unemployment and other concerns brought about by financial crisis. He said Arroyo critics should lie low, because the government is doing its best to eradicate corruption.

“Look at your (referring to GMA critics) surroundings first. In fairness to the administration it is trying to address so many problems like unemployment and the financial crisis and attending to the welfare of the people,” he said.

Suarez issued the statement following the declaration made by Balanga Bishop Socrates Villegas that the corruption rate in the country has reached alarming levels and involved no less than the President and her family.

But Citizens Battle Against Corruption Rep. Cinchona Cruz-Gonzales and Ilagan said there was nothing wrong with Villegas’ view that the corruption in government has not been addressed adequately.

“She should accept criticisms instead of avoiding it because corruption in the government is widespread. Her resignation could give justice to all grievances by the people,” said Cruz-Gonzales as she reiterated their call for Mrs. Arroyo’s resignation.

For her part, Ilagan said: “But her immoderate greed and lust for power have glued her to the seat of corruption. This new conjugal dictatorship makes her insensitive to demands for her resignation.”

On the other hand, lone Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara stressed that resignation is no longer a big issue since the President has only 15 more months remaining in office.

“Resign talks are practically moot and academic since she only has one year left. She should just ignore and concentrate on helping Filipinos improve quality of life,” said the deputy majority leader.

Suarez, meantime, explained that the good things being done under the Arroyo administration are not being given attention by media.

“The good things the administration is doing are not being given due notice by the media. My point is the 2010 election is coming so everyone is riding on a populist move and if you hit the administration, you get the headlines,” he said.

Meanwhile, in Dagupan City, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz said if the rating of Mrs. Arroyo shoots up, something is funny and therefore incredible.

Cruz said the Chief Executive’s -32 percent dissatisfaction rating was due to the fact that “Mrs. Arroyo has been acting contrary to the dictates of common sense and reason.”

“Imagine her calling for moral renewal when she has the title of first place in corruption and just for her to say that the world would not welcome Edsa 3, this is either a delusion or a restlessness incarnate,” Cruz, a vocal critic of the President, told The STAR yesterday.

Cruz said from the time Arroyo occupied Malacañang, “the country has been continuously on its way down the gutter in terms of honesty, integrity and probity to say the least.”

“To me, this is an indication if she has even a bit of delicadeza, she would pack up, leave, never to be seen again in this country,” Cruz said.

The prelate added that under Arroyo’s command, the Philippines has been continuously belittled by other countries.

“And this I say from first hand basis because of my regular meetings with key Asian bishops,” he said. – With Eva Visperas