Expect more lies instead of the real condition the Philippine society is in when President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo delivers her State of the Nation Address on Monday, Makati Mayor and United Opposition president Jejomar Binay said yesterday.

Binay, who is in Bacolod City for various engagements, said the people will once again hear the president proclaim her “achievements” which, in reality, does not reflect the prevailing situation in the country.

He said Arroyo is determined to stay in power beyond 2010 and the public should carefully examine the pronouncements coming from Malacañang.

The elections scheduled next year is one of the several options for the present administration to perpetuate Arroyo in power, Binay said, adding that the planned poll automation can lead to a declaration of failure of election.

If this happens, he said the government will consider another option, which is to declare martial law or a revolutionary government.

While he openly offers himself as a presidential candidate for UNO, Binay admitted that the opposition has yet to convene to decide on who their standard bearer will be should the 2010 elections push through.

He said former President Joseph Estrada has been calling for unity among the opposition and, as the most senior in the party, Binay said he is offering himself to be its standard bearer.

On the issue of Constitutional amendments, he said the Constitutional Assembly being pushed by members of the House of Representatives is another way to keep Arroyo in power.

It will never come into fruition without the participation of the Senate, Binay said.

Binay and  Rep. Teofisto Guingona Jr. are scheduled to speak tomorrow in the rally organized by the People’s Interfaith Alliance for God and Country at the Bacolod Public Plaza.*NAB

back to top