JDV calls for a 'moral revolution' to cleanse gov't

House Speaker Jose de Venecia Tuesday night called for a "moral revolution" to cleanse government and society and said President Arroyo could lead this revolution which he described as the country's last chance to defeat corruption, despair and poverty.

In an interview over cable news channel ANC, de Venecia said he was finalizing a letter to the President in which he will flesh out a "total solution" that would dramatically reduce political corruption in the country.

"The President of the Philippines can take the lead in moving to eradicate corruption in this country," de Venecia said, citing her power to "cleanse the Cabinet, cleanse the BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue), the national police and even the local government units because of the power of the Ombudsman. And even Congress."

"When I say this, I mean I am not without sin. I am 70, and I want to leave a good legacy for my country, for my children, and for my grandchildren. We must now do something to lead our country from corruption, from despair and from poverty," he said.

De Venecia said the President-- if she agreed to lead this moral revolution-- could yet emerge as "perhaps the greatest President in Philippine history."

Calling this new opportunity for moral renewal our "last chance," de Venecia stressed the need "to cleanse Philippine society for our country and people."

He said the country is no longer looking for a band-aid solution but a total solution that must be implemented forcefully over an extended period.

"This cannot be done in 100 days," de Venecia said. 

"The only way to go is to cleanse it and admit to ourselves and to everybody that we need to change," he added.