Arroyo says Philippine street protests won’t drive her out

MANILA: Philippine President Gloria Arroyo vowed on Thursday that street protests will not drive her from office, a day after tens of thousands rallied to demand she quit over a political scandal. Arroyo said she would focus on pushing forward with her reform agenda and turning the economy around and challenged the opposition to present an alternative programme. She admitted that her popularity has taken a beating over claims, which she denies, of vote-rigging in the 2004 election but said this would not stop her doing her job. “If they want unrest in the street, I will enforce the law. I will stop any violence. If they want to subvert the constitution, I will fight them every step of the way,” Arroyo said in a speech aired over government radio. “This is not a popularity contest, this is a contest for improving the life of our population. My (opinion) surveys may be down but my resolve has never been higher.” Arroyo said her pro-poor agenda has been steadily gaining ground and accused the political opposition of trying to wreck what she has accomplished. “The opposition has shown no plan, no plan but a blueprint for obfuscation and division,” the president said. “I challenge the opposition to show their true colors. Show me the plan - you don’t have one.” afp

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