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Arroyo to discuss 'peaceful transition' with Clinton

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abs-cbnNEWS.com | 11/07/2009 6:05 PM

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MANILA - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will discuss with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton next year's elections and the “smooth turnover of power" in 2010, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said Saturday.

Remonde said in a statement that Mrs. Arroyo will "discuss the smooth turnover of power and the implementation of a clean, honest and orderly election" when Clinton visits the Philippines next week on her way to Singapore for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.  

Clinton is scheduled to visit the Philippines from November 12 to November 13.

Remonde said the issues of smooth transition of power and clean elections in 2010 are "issues that the President and Secretary Clinton see eye to eye."

"The President is pushing for the automation of election and will provide the Commission on Election with whatever help it needs for a successful election in 2010. The President also wants a peaceful and orderly transition of power,” he said.

US State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said in a statement that Clinton will hold consultations with senior Philippine officials "highlighting the US-Philippines treaty alliance."

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo said Clinton's visit to the Philippines would be a good opportunity for discussions on bilateral, regional and global issues on disaster management, the Mindanao peace process, climate change and nuclear non-proliferation.

Will GMA run for Congress?

Remonde did not say if Mrs. Arroyo will also discuss with Clinton what her plans are for May 2010.  

President Arroyo's frequent visits to her home province of Pampanga in recent months have fueled speculations that she plans to run for a seat in the House of Representatives in 2010. If there is a shift to a parliamentary system of government after 2010, she can go back to power by becoming Prime Minister.

When she steps down in June 30, 2010, Mrs. Arroyo would have served as president for 9 and a half years, the second longest presidential reign in Philippine history next to the 20-year reign of dictator, Ferdinand Marcos.

Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal said Mrs. Arroyo is allowed by law to run for a lower post in 2010.

"There is no legal impediment, no law that could bar to run except for the position of president because she is not eligible for reelection," Macalintal told Malacañang reporters on Friday.

In case the President decides to run for a post other than president, Macalintal said there is no need for her to resign as Section 14 of Republic Act 9006 repealed Section 67 of the Omnibus Election Code, which requires that a public official resign if they will run for another post.

"At present, there are no prohibitions or law that says she should resign from her position," the lawyer said.

Macalintal and several Malacañang spokespersons have said that they are not privy to Mrs. Arroyo's plan in 2010, saying it was a personal decision that is to be made by the President.

Agence France-Presse earlier reported that Clinton would be travelling to the Philippines to "show solidarity" with the storm-battered nation.

"I'll be going to the Philippines, to show solidarity with our friends in the Philippines who have been battered by typhoons and have just suffered so much over the last weeks," Clinton said in a speech in Washington.

Three typhoons brought havoc in the Philippines, killing more than a 1,000 people and rendering tens of thousands homeless.

Aside from the Philippines, Clinton will also be joining US President Barack Obama during his visit to China from November 15-18. With Agence France Presse