Security, unity to feature in key GMA speech

MANILA (AFP) - Philippine President Gloria Arroyo is expected to focus on security, unity and the economy when she makes her state of the nation address later Monday, aides said.

More than 3,000 police have been deployed across Manila to seal off roads leading to the House of Representatives, where Arroyo was to speak at 4:00 pm (0800 GMT).

Left-wing groups gathered overnight near the venue, where they plan to stage rallies against Arroyo's record on human rights abuses, forced disappearances and political killings.

The president's address comes as government troops mass in southern Mindanao and Basilan islands for a possible showdown with Muslim separatist rebels from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The militants have repeatedly refused demands to hand over those responsible for the deadly ambush of 14 Marines over a week ago.

Armed forces chief General Hermogenes Esperon had given the MILF until the end of Sunday to turn over those behind the deaths of the Marines, 10 of whom were beheaded and mutilated, or face a military offensive.

Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez said Arroyo would use her speech to issue a call for national unity and reiterate the government's commitment to fight terrorism.

Arroyo spokesman Ignacio Bunye said she would speak for 45 minutes on the "investments that have to be made -- investment in human capital and physical infrastructure; investments in education, social services; and also investment in peace in Mindanao."

Arroyo would also report on her government's achievements for the past year, he added.

"This will be a report card and we'll have to check some of the items here against the promises that she made in 2006 and I believe at least the perception or the appreciation of the public would be positive," Bunye told reporters.

It will be Arroyo's seventh state of the nation address since she came to power in 2001 following the removal of Joseph Estrada.

"Arroyo will touch on the commitments she made in previous addresses, including the one last year in which she unveiled massive infrastructure programmes in super regions," said her political adviser Gabriel Claudio.

"It will give a very convincing picture of why the Philippines is a very marketable place to do business for local businessmen and investors abroad."

Arroyo's public approval ratings remain stuck at 30 percent in a June 28-July 10 nationwide survey by independent Manila outfit Pulse Asia, just two percentage points higher than in April.

Arroyo has survived two military rebellions as well as two attempts to impeach her over allegations she cheated to win the May 2004 presidential election.