CEBU CITY (23 Feb) In a reiteration of her "nothing will make me resign" declaration before the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) on Tuesday, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo vowed that she will not break her oath to serve the Filipino people until the end of her term in 2010.
Speaking at the celebration of the 69th Charter Day of Cebu City held at the Cebu City Sports Complex, Arroyo said the trend in the ongoing recount of the votes cast for vice president in Cebu showed no indication of irregularities in the 2004 elections.
Former Sen. Loren Legarda has lodged a protest against Vice President Noli de Castro before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) alleging that she was cheated in Cebu in the 2004 polls.
Arroyo said she was informed by her election lawyer, Atty. Romulo Macalintal, that the voting trend as shown in the recount of the votes cast for the vice president was indicative of how Cebuanos voted for the presidential candidates.
"And for that reason, I will not run away from my solemn oath to serve our people, especially the people of Cebu, who gave me your mandate and your trust and your confidence through the ballot," she said.
She said Macalintal informed her Wednesday that as of Feb. 14, the PET had opened 37 percent of the ballot boxes containing the protested ballots and recounted the votes.
Macalintal, who is also the vice president’s election lawyer, said the recount did not show any sign of cheating in Cebu City and the entire province.
Arroyo said she is confident that her victory will be affirmed. "I am also personally confident that my vote in these places will be affirmed not because you cheated for me because Cardinal Vidal would not allow any cheating here in Cebu, but because you voted for me," she said.
"The evidence being uncovered is clear that because of you I won the election fair and square," she continued.
Aside from Cardinal Vidal, former Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr., and boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao were present during the occasion. "So then I say, with the confirmation of my lawful victory here in Cebu, where the bulk of my national majority came from, I reiterate my pledge and commitment to continue serving our country until the end of my term in 2010," Arroyo said.
Arroyo garnered over a million votes winning margin over the late Fernando Poe Jr. in the 2004 elections. During the program, she and former Chief Justice Davide, Cardinal Vidal and Pacquiao were awarded plaques of recognition by Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmena.
Arroyo, who received an award as Anak sa Sugbo (adopted daughter of Cebu City), was treated to a spectacular stage show by the Sinulog dancers in a dress rehearsal of Cebu’s cultural performance being lined up for the upcoming ASEAN Summit to be held here in December.
Davide and Cardinal Vidal received lifetime achievement awards for public service and advocacy of justice and peace, and for their unwavering faith in the Lord.
Pacquiao also received a plaque of appreciation from Mayor Osmena in recognition for his contribution to the country.Cebu officials said the 69th Charter Day festivities were a preview of the cultural activities in the works for the ASEAN Summit.
"I’m very happy that come December, Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Lapu-Lapu City will host 18 heads of state from all over the region. And I hope to share with the other leaders of the region what I have come to see and love in the people of Cebu," Arroyo said.
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