GMA'S ALLEGED WORDS ON VOTE-RIGGING IS RP'S TOP CELL RING TONE
MANILA, June 17, 2005 (STAR) (AP) The allegedly wiretapped voice of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo discussing vote-rigging has become a hugely popular ring tone in the cell phone-obsessed Philippines.Justice officials are not amused.
"They are liable under the law," Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales said of those who download the 17-second ring tone from the Internet, or buy it on CDs being sold by street vendors and opposition activists, a daily broadsheet reported on Friday.
The government says the recording was obtained illegally and was doctored. Authorities have barred the media from broadcasting any part of it amid opposition calls for Arroyo to step down.
So far, no one has been charged for using it in cell phones, the newspaper said.
The ring tone has a voice resembling Arroyo's talking to an alleged election official about ensuring a 1-million-vote margin over her closest rival during the bitterly contested election in May 2004.
Arroyo remains focused on job despite attacks, says Palace
President Gloria Arroyo remains focused on the job of improving the economy and won't be sidetracked by current political challenges, said Malacañang Thursday.
In a statement, Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye said "The President’s schedule is consistently driven by her economic plan."
"She is now in Mindanao to check on the implementation of important projects," Bunye pointed out.
He added that Pres. Arroyo's plans for the country are clear-cut -- which include the implementation of Phase 2 and Phase 3 of her economic reforms agenda.
In a radio interview this morning, Bunye said that with Phase 1 of the President’s economic reforms agenda already in place, she is now focused on implementing Phase 2 and eventually Phase 3.
Phase 3 includes political reforms that the President believes would spur more development in the country, the Presidential Spokesperson said.
"The political reforms include the review of the Constitution and the shift in the form of government from the present presidential form to a form that would further improve the country’s economy," he said.
He said Pres. Arroyo has expressed her preference for a Constitutional Convention over a Constituent Assembly in studying the shift in the form of government.
In the same interview, Bunye reiterated his call on the Filipino people to unite and work together in improving the country’s economy.
"Disunity and political instability in the country would only send negative signals to potential investors...it is important that investors have confidence in our economy and we can only achieve that confidence if we unite," he said.
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
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