Ex-classmate Clinton backs GMA

President Arroyo has received a boost from a classmate at Georgetown University — former US President Bill Clinton.

In a "Dear Gloria" letter to the President, Clinton told her he would have wanted to come to the country to show his support for her candidacy but his schedule prevented him from doing so. It was signed "Sincerely, Bill."

"Since my upcoming book tour will prevent me from making a swing in Manila during your campaign, I wanted to drop you a note to send along a support in another form," read the letter, a copy of which was obstained by The Star yesterday. It was dated May 5.

"I’m sorry I won’t get to see you this summer, but I wish you good luck in your campaign, in your work for all the citizens of the Philippines. I hope to see you before long," the letter said.

Clinton said it has been an honor for him to call Mrs. Arroyo "my friend" ever since they met at Georgetown University in Washington in the 1960s.

"I’ve been proud of your successes over the years as a skilled economist, legislator, trade official and now President," read the letter.

"The world has clearly taken notice of your leadership in your short time in office. You have overcome many critical challenges and seem to be making significant progress in many fronts.

"I know that you have focused much of your energy on the economy of the Philippines. I agree with that and your pro-poor agenda is right on target," Clinton wrote.

At the Cebu Waterfront Hotel yesterday, Mrs. Arroyo merely smiled when told about Clinton’s letter and did not say anything.

She then boarded a van for a motorcade in this second vote-rich province in the country.

During the last years of the Clinton administration, Mrs. Arroyo was the country’s vice president. She was swept to power the same day — Jan. 20, 2001 — that Clinton’s successor, now re-electionist President George W. Bush, was inducted into office.

She was a senator when former President Fidel Ramos invited her to be part of his official delegation when Clinton made a state visit to the country in 1992.