Palace sees administration sweep in ’07 polls

Despite attempts to force her from office and electoral fraud and other allegations hounding her, President Arroyo’s endorsement of candidates in the 2007 midterm elections remains potent and would lead to an administration sweep in the polls, Malacañang officials predicted yesterday.

Presidential Chief of Staff Michael Defensor pointed out that 35 percent of the electorate who went for Mrs. Arroyo in the May 2004 presidential elections remains solid and may have even increased owing to her achievements in implementing economic reforms.

"In the light of all the criticism, in the light of all the statements against the President and all the mudslinging that has been hurled against her, she remains to have the 35 percent intact and her endorsement would help a lot in bringing those votes for those respective candidates," Defensor said in a news briefing.

He said in the history of Philippine politics, the midterm elections have always been tilted in favor of the administration, even with some political groups trying to form a so-called "third force" or candidates who presented themselves as an alternative.

He said since the midterm election is generally a local fight, the delineation between administration and opposition parties is less distinct at the local level where voters decide on the individual achievements and platforms of the candidates for their constituents.

"When the elections come and more administration candidates win, that is enough evidence that the people want to move on and end the destructive politics the opposition is waging now."

Defensor said members of the administration coalition have been calling for meetings and strategies for a possible senatorial line-up. However, the administration is waiting for the outcome of the ongoing people’s initiative campaign to amend the Constitution being pushed by Mrs. Arroyo’s allies.

Proponents of the people’s initiative are pushing for a shift in the form of government to a unicameral parliamentary system this year with full parliamentary elections to be held next year.