Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s candidacy – 2004
On a speech given on Rizal Day, December 30, 2002, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared that she would not run in the 2004 elections. Arroyo claimed that withdrawing from the race would relieve her of the burden of politics and allow her administration to devote the last year and half to the following:
First, strengthening the economy to create more jobs and to encourage business activities that are unhampered by corruption and red tape in government.
Second, healing the deep divisions within Philippine society.
Third, working for clean and honest elections in 2004.
This was hailed as a welcome development by many people, especially those in the business and economic sectors.
Nine months later, on October 4, 2003, Arroyo completely changed her mind. Arroyo stated that her change of heart was for a higher cause and that she cannot ignore the call to further serve the country. Many people, especially those who held on to her commitment, were dismayed by her turnabout, though most were unsurprised since there had been clues months before that she would probably not stand by her earlier decision. Others welcomed this development, saying that she needs more time to implement her projects, and that she would be the strongest contender against a likely candidacy by Fernando Poe, Jr.
See also
- Official Congressional canvass - 2004
- Election scandal - 2004
- PET Case No. 003, Legarda v. De Castro, January 18, 2008
- COMELEC's move for an automated elections - 2004
- The LDP split - 2004
- Eddie Gil's candidacy - 2004
- Death of Lawyer Maria Jeanette Tecson
- Fernando Poe, Jr.’s candidacy - 2004
- Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s candidacy - 2004 (This post)
- Philippine General Election - 2004