There’s The Rub

Earlier, after hearing the morning mass, I had my breakfast in Mc Donald’s and took my free PDI.  “Oh yeah!” was what I said to myself after seeing the title of Conrado de Quiros’ commentary.

Exactly 6 years ago when GMA told us, and most believed her for it, that she won’t be running for presidency come 2004 elections.  Oh, what can I say…  Allow me to put on bigger font statements from her speech in this commentary by Mr. de Quiros.  Enjoy the political carnival at its best!

There’s The Rub

Six years ago today

By Conrado de Quiros

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 00:07:00 12/30/2008

Six years ago today, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo delivered this speech. It is worth remembering today not just because history is always worth remembering but because it is history that eminently, and imminently, stands to be repeated today. The latter part of the speech went:

“As we honor Jose Rizal today, it is fitting that I ask each Filipino to also sacrifice for our country.

“In recent years, our fundamental weaknesses have been revealed in ways that are worrisome to broad sectors of our citizenry.

“In the economy, ever since the Asian crisis in 1997, our public revenues have been steadily declining in relation to the size of our economy. This has led to persistent budget deficit.

“In society, we have become a nation deeply divided, symbolized by the polarity between EDSA [People Power] II and the May 1 siege barely three months after EDSA II.

“And in governance, there is now too much politics hampering good, productive governance.

“The convergence of the national stresses such as these has led to the sense of gloom that many of our citizens now talk of. There is a feeling of too much negativism and conflict in our society.

“In the coming weeks, we will be launching a series of powerful, positive actions that will improve the life of our people. Major announcements will be made in January.

“However, we also know that we will soon enter the political period leading up to the elections in 2004. My reading of the political winds tells me that the 2004 election may well go down in history as among our most bitterly contested elections ever. This is because of the deep social and political division that we now have.

“If this is true, then sincere efforts to launch programs will run the risk of being derailed by political fighting leading up to the elections.

“The government in place after 2004 may merely end up inheriting a country as deeply divided as ever. Consequently, we may end up stalling national growth for a few years more as a result of lost momentum.

“In view of all these factors, I have decided not to run for president during the election of 2004.

“If I were to run, it will require a major political effort on my part. But since I am among the principal figures in the divisive national events for the last two or three years, my political efforts can only result in never-ending divisiveness.
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