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Philippine president delivers state of nation address
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-07-25 16:59

Scandal-plagued Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Monday urged Congress to change the constitution to shift to a parliamentary form of government to ease the country's constant political instability.

"The system clearly needs fundamental change - and the sooner, the better," Arroyo, the subject of an impeachment complaint filed earlier in the day, said in her annual state of the nation address to a joint session of Congress.

Referring indirectly to the two "people power" revolts that have forced out two presidents since 1986 and a constant rash of coup attempts and takeover rumors, Arroyo said in the 20-minute speech that her nation had become too polarized to make the changes it needs to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (C) addresses the 13th Congress of the Philippines joint session at the House of Representatives in Manila July 25, 2005, as Senate President Franklin Drillon (L) and House of Representative speaker Jose de Venecia look on. Arroyo, facing an impeachment motion in Congress, said in a policy speech on Monday she was focused on reforms to raise revenues, cut debt and overhaul the country's political system. [Reuters]

"Ours is a country divided," said Arroyo, who has come under pressure to quit with nearly five years left in her term over allegations that she rigged last year's election. "One is a Philippines whose economy ... is now poised for takeoff. The other ... has become a hindrance to progress."

She suggested that Congress set up a constituent assembly to tackle the issue of charter change, but she made no mention of a time frame or whether she would be willing to step down early.

Former President Fidel Ramos has called for making the changes in time for a referendum early next year, followed by new elections in May.

Speaking hours after opposition legislators filed an impeachment complaint against her in the latest move to force her out, Arroyo briefly outlined a 10-point "phase 2" of her ambitious economic reform program to ease poverty, create jobs and attract foreign investment.

Arroyo, looking tired with bags under her eyes after dealing with the two-month-old scandal, touted her administration's accomplishments in generating 4 million jobs over the last four years, fighting drugs, curtailing kidnappings and easing a bloody Muslim separatist insurgency in the south.

She said the economy grew more than 6 percent last year and continues to expand despite high oil prices.

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