‘Gathering Storm’ Awaits Arroyo in Last Months in Office and Beyond

Published on July 19, 2009

But the dangers posed by charter change go beyond the Arroyo clique’s aim of clinging to power beyond 2010, said Guzman.

Cha-cha Beyond 2010

“The Arroyo administration is evidently keen on delivering the key economic and political changes demanded by powerful retrogressive forces in Philippine society,” Guzman said. “These include the US, European and Japanese governments out to advance their commercial and geopolitical agenda. There are also the local elite and big business interests seeking profitable partnerships with foreign capital as well as greater security against rising democratic forces they see as threats to their entrenched wealth and privilege.”

Citing a 2005 Constitutional Commission Report, Guzman said proposed constitutional amendments include the removal of restrictions on foreign exploitation of natural resources, land ownership, and investment in public utilities as well as in mass media and advertising. There are also proposals to remove the emphasis on state involvement in ensuring social and development goals, Guzman also said.

Amid all these, Guzman noted, the US government appears to be keeping its distance even as it ensures that its economic and geopolitical interests in the Philippines are protected.

The 2010 elections, she said, “will be very much about President Arroyo” though she will no longer be eligible to run for reelection.

“Getting President Arroyo into Congress through elections is a key element in the current efforts to remain in power,” Guzman said, referring to statements by Malacañang spokesmen that Arroyo may seek a seat at the House of Representatives in next year’s polls. “The elections will be an opportunity to get proposed charter changes approved relatively quickly, or, if the current con-ass (constituent assembly) offensive is put down, will be crucial in laying the basis for a renewed con-ass effort under a transition administration. In both cases, President Arroyo needs to secure a submissive ally as president and a large majority of seats in the House of Representatives, then as many Senate and local government positions as possible. A poor showing on the other hand will improve the chances of holding her accountable for her crimes.”

Guzman also said the 2010 elections do not carry any prospect of real political and social change, though they provide an opportunity for the strengthening of progressive forces.

She said a desire for real change is being felt among the people as frustration with the Arroyo regime continues to mount. “This is a positive development in itself and for creating opportunities to build alliances, increase influence and reach out to even larger numbers of the public,” she said.

“At the same time, the Arroyo clique’s maneuvering to preempt the looming natural end of its term also brings with it the threat of even greater human-rights violations and political repression,” Guzman, however, warned. (Bulatlat.com)

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