Philippines: Arroyo's Tactical Apology

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, in a nationally televised statement June 27, admitted that it is her voice on tapes implicating her in rigging the May 2004 election and apologized for the "lapse in judgment." The apology highlights Arroyo's decision to attempt a new tactic in deflecting pressure against her administration. It remains to be seen if the people of the Philippines will forgive Arroyo for the latest scandal, or condemn her to stand down from the presidency.