Arroyo bids nation adieu, boasts of a ‘much stronger’ RP

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Wednesday bid farewell to Filipinos by presenting her government’s accomplishments and calling for unity for the incoming administration of President-elect Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III. In a five-minute televised speech, President Arroyo boasted of her administration’s achievements in the country’s economy and infrastructure, saying these reflect the "faces of change" brought about by her nine-year presidency. "I feel confident that we are leaving this nation much stronger than when I came to office, but I leave that for history to judge," she said in her speech broadcast live from the Kalayaan Hall in Malacañang Palace. President Arroyo, who wore a striking red blazer, spoke of the "37 quarters of uninterrupted growth" under her watch, which she attributed to her "unpopular" choice to raise value added taxes (VAT) in 2005. Introduced in 1998, the VAT is part of the Ramos administration’s Comprehensive Tax Reform Program, which is intended to make the Philippines’ tax system more progressive. In 2005, President Arroyo helped cement congressional support for the Expanded VAT law, boosting the rate to 12 percent from ten. The EVAT also removed exemptions on electricity and fuel. “Along the way, we had to make unpopular choices such as raising taxes, but we did so against the odds for a simple reason: we need to have new money for more and better healthcare, education and job creation," she said. The outgoing President likewise spoke of the various infrastructure projects undertaken during her term and the new jobs her government has created, particularly in the call center industry. She also congratulated Aquino and Vice President-elect Jejomar Binay on their victory during the May 10 automated polls, which she described as "historic, open, and modern." “I call on everyone to unite behind our new leaders. I am optimistic and hopeful about our future… As our nature moves forward, let us all join hands in unity and work confidently for a better tomorrow," she said. President Arroyo is set to turn over her post to Aquino and start her term as congresswoman of the second district of Pampanga on June 30. Towards the end of her speech, President thanked the Filipinos for the "honor of becoming President." "Malaking karangalan ang makapaglingkod sa bayan bilang Pangulo. Sa inyong lahat na napagsilbihan ko sa mahirap ngunit makasaysayang landas, maraming, maraming salamat," she said. (It's a big honor to serve the country as president. To all of you whom I served during a difficult yet historic period, I thank you very much.) - RJAB Jr/KBK, GMANews.TV