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Countdown

The nation watches with bated breathe as developments unfold, each with varying impact and the nagging question, “When will she step down?”

One-fourth of Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo’s Cabinet members tendered their irrevocable resignation in what others say was a failed Malacañang coup. The Liberal Party, a significant member of Lakas which is the ruling coalition party has asked GMA to give way to a constitutional turn over of the presidency. The erstwhile centrist position of former President Cory Aquino has moved and urged the embattled president to avert further crisis by resigning. Church and business groups have joined the calls for resignation with varying proposals for alternatives. The mass mobilizations are flaring daily, with more and more groups and political forces clamoring for her to step down.

All these were stonewalled with her latest announcement that she will not resign her office. The arrogance and intransigence on GMA’s part is further manifested with her ensuing appointment of new Cabinet members and pronouncement that she will continue to dispense her duty of governance. This is a stake-out. On one hand is a president who has lost the public trust and the moral ascendancy to rule and on the other, the people who have accelerated their actions and upped their calls for ouster. Here is a president unrepentant of the crisis she has spawned and there are the people demanding alternative and fundamental changes in the system. In these times, the country is so polarized that the multi-interests of various sectors and groups converge to focus on a common target. This is one period where the people can truly say, “We have had enough of this corrupt and inept government!”

Meanwhile, the covert presence of the US in the whole political scenario is not invisible to the critical public. Definitely, it has a crucial role where its interests are at stake and will ultimately move when its players are no longer effective. This is the why there is a need for the people’s vigilance, especially in their aim to set up a genuine alternative system of government. In the meantime, the momentum has gained steam and there is no other way but for the people to rev up the call for GMA to STEP DOWN! #

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