Arroyo blames ‘heartless’ politicians for death of Amper, Dalaig

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Tuesday blamed “heartless" politicians for the death of 12-year-old Mariannet Amper and Alioden Dalaig, head of the Commission on Elections legal department. “Maraming idadahilan sa mga trahedyang nina Mariannet at Dalaig, at isa ang ibig nating tutukan, ang mga kalabisan ng politika…Samantala, may mga politiko at grupo na walang puso at budhi, at handang gumamit ng dahas upang makamit ang ambisyon at layunin (There could be many causes to the tragedy of Mariannet and Dalaig, and we want to focus on one cause, too much politics…There are many politicians and groups who have no heart and conscience, who are ready to use force to obtain what they want" she said. President Arroyo made the statement during the weekly Cabinet meeting in Malacañang. Amper committed suicide on November 2 through hanging herself with a thin nylon rope in Davao City. Dalaig was shot dead last November 11 by unidentified assailants in Ermita, Manila. Mrs Arroyo said preoccupation with politics “does not promote the stability, policy continuity, security and peace and order that we will need to continue to move our country forward." She said people prefer results and action not promises. “The people of the Philippines are tired of negative political rhetoric that does nothing to bring about legislation that will create a new future for our people." Arroyo said that in the coming weeks, her administration would touch base with different political, religious and other sectors of society to fight against political violence and poverty. She said the Philippines “is fortunate" because the economy is growing. President Arroyo said it was time to push for political reforms. “Bawasan ang hidwaan, labanan ang katiwalian, itigil ang karahasan, at unahin ang kapakanan ng karaniwang mamamayan. Alang-alang sa bayan, ipagdasal at pagtulungan natin ito (Let us lessen disputes, fight corruption, stop violence, and prioritize the lot of common people. For the country, let us pray for this and help each other for this to happen)." - GMANews.TV