GMA Brandtalk
Tracking
Archives
ADVERTISEMENT
Filtered By: Topstories
News
PNoy: Gloria Arroyo followed Marcos’ handbook in abusing power
(Updated 6:26 p.m.) President Benigno Aquino III, currently in the United States for a working visit, has once again criticized former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, this time comparing her to the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
In a speech at the Harvard University on Monday (Tuesday in Manila), Aquino said Arroyo was like Marcos in abusing power.
"My predecessor, instead of learning the lessons of Martial Law, seemingly adopted Mr. Marcos’ handbook on how to abuse the democratic process," Aquino said.
Marcos placed the Philippines under Martial Law in 1972—a period marked by human rights abuses and corruption in government. Marcos eventually lifted military rule on January 17, 1981.
Arroyo's nine-year presidency was meanwhile marred by corruption scandals and allegations of electoral fraud.
Aquino further said that Arroyo's administration made Filipinos indifferent about anomalies in government.
"At the end of her regime, our people were so apathetic to all the scandals and issues affecting her, and government’s inability to effect change, that the overwhelming ambition of so many was to leave the country," Aquino said.
He also criticized Arroyo for putting "a premium on political survival" and for leaving the government "corrupt" and "broken down."
Arroyo, now a congresswoman representing Pampanga's second district, is currently on hospital arrest for her alleged involvement in the misuse of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) funds during her incumbency.
'Transformation'
Aquino painted this picture of the Arroyo administration to highlight the Philippines' "transformation" under his watch.
He even used former Chief Justice Renato Corona's ouster in 2012, as well as the arrest and detention of Senators Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., Jinggoy Estrada and Juan Ponce Enrile, to showcase how the government is committed to hold erring officials liable.
"His dismissal from office and the charges he now faces in the regular courts is just one example of accountability," Aquino said, referring to Corona.
The President likewise trumpeted his administration's economic gains and social protection programs, particularly the conditional cash transfer program.
"My administration’s mandate lasts six years, and I am determined to make the most of it. Our challenge today is to make the gains even greater, and to ensure that the transformation becomes an enduring mainstream of justice and inclusiveness," he said.
On Tuesday (Wednesday, PHL time), Aquino will attend a high-level United Nations Climate Change Summit in New York. He is expected to showcase during the summit what the Philippines has done in terms of legislation to address climate change.
He is scheduled to return to the Philippines on Friday (Manila time) after a brief stop in San Francisco for business meetings.
The government has earmarked P14.8 million for Aquino's US visit. —Andreo Calonzo/KBK, GMA News
In a speech at the Harvard University on Monday (Tuesday in Manila), Aquino said Arroyo was like Marcos in abusing power.
"My predecessor, instead of learning the lessons of Martial Law, seemingly adopted Mr. Marcos’ handbook on how to abuse the democratic process," Aquino said.
Marcos placed the Philippines under Martial Law in 1972—a period marked by human rights abuses and corruption in government. Marcos eventually lifted military rule on January 17, 1981.
Arroyo's nine-year presidency was meanwhile marred by corruption scandals and allegations of electoral fraud.
Aquino further said that Arroyo's administration made Filipinos indifferent about anomalies in government.
"At the end of her regime, our people were so apathetic to all the scandals and issues affecting her, and government’s inability to effect change, that the overwhelming ambition of so many was to leave the country," Aquino said.
He also criticized Arroyo for putting "a premium on political survival" and for leaving the government "corrupt" and "broken down."
Arroyo, now a congresswoman representing Pampanga's second district, is currently on hospital arrest for her alleged involvement in the misuse of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) funds during her incumbency.
'Transformation'
Aquino painted this picture of the Arroyo administration to highlight the Philippines' "transformation" under his watch.
He even used former Chief Justice Renato Corona's ouster in 2012, as well as the arrest and detention of Senators Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., Jinggoy Estrada and Juan Ponce Enrile, to showcase how the government is committed to hold erring officials liable.
"His dismissal from office and the charges he now faces in the regular courts is just one example of accountability," Aquino said, referring to Corona.
The President likewise trumpeted his administration's economic gains and social protection programs, particularly the conditional cash transfer program.
"My administration’s mandate lasts six years, and I am determined to make the most of it. Our challenge today is to make the gains even greater, and to ensure that the transformation becomes an enduring mainstream of justice and inclusiveness," he said.
On Tuesday (Wednesday, PHL time), Aquino will attend a high-level United Nations Climate Change Summit in New York. He is expected to showcase during the summit what the Philippines has done in terms of legislation to address climate change.
He is scheduled to return to the Philippines on Friday (Manila time) after a brief stop in San Francisco for business meetings.
The government has earmarked P14.8 million for Aquino's US visit. —Andreo Calonzo/KBK, GMA News
More Videos
Most Popular
