Despite her critics insisting that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo failed to categorically state her relinquishing power in 2010 in her last State of the Nation Address, Malacañang advises them: “digest well [their] interpretations on the President’s statements.”
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Anthony Golez said PGMA was clear in her SONA when she said she “never expressed the desire to extend myself beyond my term.”
With that statement alone, I think there is no need for the President to speak categorically hat she will step down,” he said.
Golez added that the President’s statement answered the worries of the government, critics about her possible term extension.
Golez quoted the President as stating: “at the end of this speech I shall step down from this stage, but not the Presidency. My term does not end until next year. Until then, I will fight for the ordinary Filipino. The nation comes first. There is much to do as head of state- to the very last day.”(PIA)