NENE TO GLORIA: WITHDRAW FROM THE PRESIDENCY NOW

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Nene Q. Pimentel, Jr. (PDP-Laban) today called for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyos withdrawal from the presidency following her lifting of Proclamation 1017 which declared a state of national emergency in the country.

Pimentel said there will be no end to military unrest, political instability, national disunity and economic mismanagement as long as the President does not resign. He argued Vice President Noli de Castro to step down too.

We have seen her withdraw the overbearing Proclamation 1017 last Friday. We hope to see her withdraw from Malacañang to pave the way for snap presidential and vice presidential elections, he said in a privilege speech at the Senate.

The minority leader said the nation cannot go on with a president who no longer has the trust and confidence of the people.

We cannot continue with a president who is running amuck with the powers of the presidency in complete disregard of the precepts of the Constitution and the rule of law, Pimentel said.

As senators, we must, therefore, go with our people and demand that the president and her vice president resign now and give our people a chance to elect a new leader.

Pimentel said the people cannot be swayed by Mrs. Arroyos promise to reform her discredited governance and to work for national reconciliation because her credibility has sunk to zero.