Palace: Thailand standoff won’t happen in RP

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang on Sunday expressed confidence that the recent protest that aborted the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit in Thailand would not happen in the Philippines. Thousands of anti-government protesters calling for the resignation of Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva last Saturday barged in a hotel in Pattaya that was hosting the 14th Asean summit. They were supporting deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said such scenario would not occur in the Philippines considering that there are only more or less 13 months before the conduct of national elections. He also said there is no similar cause of indignation among Filipinos. “Hindi [yan] mangyayari sa atin sa Pilipinas. I think malapit na ang presidential elections at siguro, walang dahilan na ganiyan ang ating mga mababait na kababayan [That would not happen in the country. The elections are approaching, so there is no cause for similar protests among Filipinos]," Remonde told government-run dzRB radio. Remonde also said that the standoff in Thailand would not happen in the Philippines because President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s efforts to advance the Philippines’ economy do not merit protest actions. “Dahil sa sikap ng ating Pangulo, naka-accomplish ng 28 quarters of continued economic growth. Despite the economic crisis, isa ang Pilipinas sa ilan lamang na mga bansa sa buong daigdig that will continue to enjoy economic growth," Remonde said. [Because of the President’s perseverance, she accomplished 28 quarters of continued economic growth. And despite the global economic crisis, the Philippines’ economy is one of those that remain resilient.] - Sophia Dedace, GMANews.TV