Arroyo coy about re-election bid

MANILA, Philippines, July 27 (UPI) -- Philippine President Gloria Arroyo, who hasn't tipped her hand about whether she's seeking re-election, said voters need choices, not just words.

During her ninth State of the Nation address, Arroyo focused on her critics, saying next year's elections need "choices, not just sweet talk," the Philippine Daily reported Monday.

"I have never expressed desire to extend myself beyond my term, many of those who accuse me of it try to cling like nails to their posts," she said. "At the end of this speech, I shall step down from this stage but not from the presidency. My term does not end until next year. Until then, I will fight for the ordinary Filipino. The nation comes first. There is much to do as head of state to the very last day."

Arroyo said the nation had a "strong economy," which she called good "news for our people (and) bad news for critics."

Several lawmakers opted to skip her State of the Nation address, with one saying he would join street protests against Arroyo, Inquirer.net reported.

"The real state of the nation, with most Filipinos suffering from poverty, will never be discussed within the red carpet hallways of Batasan nor will it be exemplified by Arroyo's own list of so-called achievements and legacy," Liza Maza, another lawmaker who did not attend the address, said in a statement.

Lawmakers also said they were protesting decisions by Arroyo's allies in the House to push for a constituent assembly to amend the country's constitution without the Senate's participation, Philippine media said.