President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo should heed the warning against oppressive regimes made by newly-sworn in US President Barack Obama during his inaugural address on Tuesday, the Philippine political opposition warned Wednesday. “President Arroyo and her cronies should feel guilty and fearful after listening to Obama,” said Adel Tamano, spokesman of the United Opposition. In his inauguration speech, Obama declared that “those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.” Tamano said Arroyo and her ilk should heed Obama's warning against “her legacy of tyranny.” “Under the Arroyo regime, the Philippines has reached unprecedented levels of hunger and corruption as well as reached an alarming rate of disappearances and killings of journalists and political activists,” Tamano said. “Truly the days of President Arroyo and her allies are numbered and in due time history will judge them harshly,” he added. “Filipinos should take inspiration in Obama's victory as we search for new leaders to bring genuine and meaningful change to our country.” The militant group Anakpawis likewise said Arroyo was among the “corrupt leaders” referred to in Obama's address. The group said Arroyo administration “must stop pretending” that it on a crusade against corruption, adding that it is enmeshed in corrupt practices “left and right.” The Malacanang presidential palace kept its cool amid the latest opposition barrage.
