Press Release
December 1, 2009

Pia: Mrs. Arroyo setting a bad example for women and the youth

Opposition senator Pia S. Cayetano today said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's insatiable lust for power, as reflected in her recent announcement to run for a congressional seat in her home district in Pampanga, sets a bad example for the youth and other women leaders.

"While it is true that there are no Constitutional obstacles to her congressional run, the implications of her actions have serious moral and ethical dimensions," stressed Cayetano, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Social Justice.

"She apparently plans to build a political fortress in the Lower House as a layer of protection from investigations and suits once her presidential immunity is lifted," the senator warned. "She must have been frightened by recent statements of presidential candidates, including the administration's own standard-bearer, that once voted to power, they wouldn't block any investigations into the unsolved scandals of the Arroyo administration."

"Mrs. Arroyo puts to shame the presidency in her attempt to buy extended political clout beyond 2010, and for not showing the courtesy and humility of a leader to step down to at least allow her electoral rivals a fair chance."

"She's a bad role model for other women leaders and the youth, so deserving of an anti-hero award from CNN, if ever there's one," added the lady senator, who will be with other women leaders to open an exhibit on violence against women in the Senate this afternoon.

"If Mrs. Arroyo was really sincere about serving her fellow cabalens, then she could have easily done all that during her nine years in power as president, plus two-and-a-half years as vice president and six years as senator before that."

Citing a report from the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), Cayetano noted that Mrs. Arroyo's declared wealth jumped by a whopping 114 percent, or by 76.74 million, during her presidency from P66.8 million in 2001 to P143.54 million in 2008.

"What's her real motivation for running? Isn't she satisfied with the fortune she has built while in power that she wants to even amass more wealth?" she asked.

"If there is anything consistent under Mrs. Arroyo's nine-year reign, it's the bastardization of our democratic institutions. This is reflected in the many unsolved cases of corruption scandals amid worsening poverty, extrajudicial killings, and recently, the breakdown of peace and order as shown in last week's massacre of civilians, women leaders and journalists in Maguindanao."

She said it would be up to Filipino voters to reject the Arroyo camp's newest attempt to extend their political clout beyond 2010.

"Voter education and awareness will play a crucial role in next year's elections to thwart any and all attempts by this administration to install Mrs. Arroyo to a position of power after 2010, such as House Speaker or Prime Minister. The people should reject all candidates supporting this self-serving political agenda."

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