http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=542832&publicationSubCategoryId=63
MANILA, Philippines - There is nothing to celebrate about the so-called EDSA II that ousted former President Joseph Estrada in 2001, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay asserted yesterday.
Binay, Estrada’s vice presidential candidate under the United Opposition (UNO), lamented the country ended up worse when President Arroyo took over the presidency in the aftermath of EDSA II.
He said Mrs. Arroyo’s leadership following EDSA II only led to nine long years of plunder, wanton violations of human rights and widespread hunger and poverty.
“The country is far worse off today than it was when Gloria Macapagal Arroyo grabbed power nine years ago. Any government claim of economic growth since January 20, 2001 could be dismissed with a simple question: Are you better off today than you were nine years ago?” Binay said.
Binay maintained Estrada was illegally removed from office.
He said he has no regrets, even if he was vilified by EDSA II supporters in the early years of the Arroyo administration.
“I do not regret sticking to my principles and my belief that the Constitution needs to be upheld at all times, even if at that time it was an unpopular position to take. Love for the Constitution means never having to say you’re sorry,” Binay said.
He said that disregard for the Constitution was the reason why Mrs. Arroyo, when she came to power, “treated democratic institutions badly.”
He said it would be appropriate to call EDSA People Power 2 as “Plunder Power of the 2.”
“Under their rule, scams have become so frequent that one begins to get the impression that pulling them off is part of the job description of the President. What we have here are 33 consecutive quarters of economic growth, a claim that is doubtful, accompanied by 33 consecutive quarters of stealing, which, without doubt, happened,” Binay said. – Jose Rodel Clapano
He said Mrs. Arroyo’s leadership following EDSA II only led to nine long years of plunder, wanton violations of human rights and widespread hunger and poverty.
“The country is far worse off today than it was when Gloria Macapagal Arroyo grabbed power nine years ago. Any government claim of economic growth since January 20, 2001 could be dismissed with a simple question: Are you better off today than you were nine years ago?” Binay said.
Binay maintained Estrada was illegally removed from office.
He said he has no regrets, even if he was vilified by EDSA II supporters in the early years of the Arroyo administration.
“I do not regret sticking to my principles and my belief that the Constitution needs to be upheld at all times, even if at that time it was an unpopular position to take. Love for the Constitution means never having to say you’re sorry,” Binay said.
He said that disregard for the Constitution was the reason why Mrs. Arroyo, when she came to power, “treated democratic institutions badly.”
He said it would be appropriate to call EDSA People Power 2 as “Plunder Power of the 2.”
“Under their rule, scams have become so frequent that one begins to get the impression that pulling them off is part of the job description of the President. What we have here are 33 consecutive quarters of economic growth, a claim that is doubtful, accompanied by 33 consecutive quarters of stealing, which, without doubt, happened,” Binay said. – Jose Rodel Clapano
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