Arroyo: Politics and Promises

Philippine Vice President Teofisto Guingona said June 8 that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo should stick to her December 2002 pledge not to run in the 2004 presidential election. Guingona's comments come amid weeks of intensified political support for Arroyo to run in 2004, including reported backing from U.S. President George W. Bush, South Korean President Roh Moo Hyun and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. But as Arroyo's supporters try to build a groundswell of public support to justify the president reneging on her pledge, the alleged support of other world leaders could prove more dangerous than helpful.