PEACEFUL VISIT
Embattled Arroyo flies to Iloilo to celebrate friendship

By Ronilo L. Pamonag

Embattled President Arroyo flew in here yesterday morning in high spirits, despite the mounting calls for her resignation.

Wednesday noon, actress Susan Roces, also an opposition figure, issued a strongly worded statement calling for Arroyo's resignation.

From the airport, Mrs. Arroyo motored to General Luna Street, where she inaugurated the P47.8 million-Jalandoni Bridge, which was funded by Senate President Franklin Drilon, himself an Ilonggo.

During the inauguration, the President was grinning from ear to ear as she boarded a vehicle that was used to traverse the entire length of the 170-meter bridge spanning Iloilo River.

Militant groups who earlier vowed to conduct a huge protest action against the president failed to position themselves due to the tight security provided by the Iloilo City Police Office.

Even anti-Arroyo streamers were not visible in the vicinity.

Earlier, the Philippine National Police warned protesters that they would strictly impose a “no permit no rally” policy.

From the Jalandoni Bridge, the President proceeded to the nearby Iloilo Provincial Capitol for the highlight of the 3 rd Fil-Hispanic Friendship Day together with Spain's Ambassador to the Philippines, Ignacio Sagaz and secretary-general of the Spanish government, Rafael Descallar.

Not a mention of the crisis she's in now was made in her 10-minute keynote address. Most of it was on cultural and economic ties between the Philippines and Spain, and the increase in the latter's aid to the country.

In his speech, Drilon pledged support for Arroyo.

“Madam President, if you want you can transfer the Malacañang here in Iloilo. Wala ho kayong problema dito (You will have no problems here),” Drilon said, eliciting cheers and laughter from the audience, composed mostly of Capitol employees. “You are supported and loved by the people of Iloilo.”

“You are loved by the Filipino people. But the Ilonggos love you the most,” Drilon told Arroyo during his speech.

At one point, the President was applauded for five minutes.

At the same time, Iloilo Gov. Niel Tupas gave his ‘unqualified support' for the Arroyo administration. During his speech, the governor presented to the President a copy of the resolutions of support by the Sanggunian Panlalawigan and the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Iloilo chapter, headed by his son, Mayor Raul Tupas of Barotac Viejo town.

“Iloilo has never wavered its support for your administration,” Tupas said, pointing out that Arroyo received an ‘overwhelming mandate' from Ilonggo voters in the 2004 presidential elections.

“And that has not diminished an ounce,” Tupas added.

Iloilo is considered Arroyo stronghold. She had 512,812 votes as against Poe's 82,244 votes.

In Iloilo City, Arroyo won over Poe by over 70,000 votes although two candidates for the mayoralty belonged to the opposition.

After lunch, the President held a closed door meeting with Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo at the Archbishop's Palace in Jaro district. From there, she inaugurated the AMOSUP Seamen's Hospital in the neighboring Mandurriao district.

The President was accompanied by members of the cabinet who hail from Iloilo: Secretaries Raul Gonzalez and Rene Villa of the Departments of Justice, and Land Reform, respectively.