Peace, … is crucial, because my government aims to hasten Mindanao’s development by transforming it into the country’s food basket.

I strongly appeal to our people and my supporters to exercise sobriety and calm and to refrain from any act of violence in whatever protest action they seek to undertake against the present administration,

The victims here are the poor people, the squatters. So that is my top priority,

He was just describing how America sees the Philippines, … I don’t think that is classified. It pertains to graft and corruption, the first gentleman (Arroyo’s husband).

After a brief period of recovery from the financial crises (of 1997-1998), the Asian region is suffering from a mild relapse,

The truth is also imprisoned because of the personal ambition and interests of a few. This truth should be set free now.

I will face all these fabricated charges,

She offered that if I resign now, they will give me a graceful exit. Well, I said I will accept the offer of graceful exit in the year 2004 … that’s the tenure the nation...

we consider him the PNP chairman, a member of the political opposition and I don ‘ t think he will be defending the Arroyo administration.

Enough is enough,

They never stopped intimidating and ridiculing our poor countrymen,

What I got were reports of the US Embassy about events that had happened here. There was nothing written there that we did not already know.

[Philippine President Joseph Estrada said he was saddened by the conviction.] It’s very unfortunate and what happened is saddening, … If he really is innocent, then the day will come that his name will be...

Given that the last two Presidents — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Joseph

ASEAN is facing its greatest challenge since its founding 31 years ago,

There is only one government in the Philippines and that is how it will stay,

Moreover, our culture discourages her from being as brash as Gloria Arroyo,

I will read the charge sheet first and I will consult my lawyer.

I have ordered the Philippine National Police to immediately undertake a thorough investigation that would lead to the immediate arrests of the culprits, … Preventative measures have been put in place to ensure public safety,...

Why should I resign? … First of all, I am not guilty of any of these charges. Second, we have a constitution to follow.

My term ends in June 2004 and I have no intention to change that,

These are not requests, but demands,

I will prove my innocence, … I guarantee the Filipino people that I will be vindicated because the truth is on my side.

They were given to me voluntarily. I don’t have plans and plots against the government.

Why would they include me in that mess? I know nothing about issues involving him,

I hope it will not create tension because we have agreement to resolve problems through diplomatic means,

I’m convinced I will be cleared of all these charges that were unfairly leveled against me,

I hope that the truth shall eventually give me back my freedom.

I said I will not accept that, … The money accumulated and he deposited it in several places. I learned about it only lately.

I will answer the accusations at the Senate, and you’ll be surprised. I have many more things to say in the trial, and we will see the whole truth,

I am asking all our countrymen living near rivers to prepare so that we can prevent any tragedy,

I was not able to defend myself and was convicted in the street.

This is the last time I will be serving the public so would I do that? … I did not become president to rake up money,

My detention has been worth every second if only to prove my innocence to those who truly matter most: my countrymen.

I thank the good lord for giving us this initial favorable vote. This is the first major vote in the many more major votes to be cast in the impeachment trial,

Wherever they may jail me, they will never be able to imprison the voices of our people against an oppressive regime which gained power not through the majesty of elections,

save our nation from the dire consequences of a prolonged crisis.

I am ready to face all the charges against me. I always submit myself to the rule of law,

So far, so good. I have been waiting for this chance to air my side.

I will take this up with him and we will say that this area is within our 200-mile exclusive economic zone, … We will explain to him that they are encroaching and entering our territory.

the last and greatest performance of my life.

He is innocent so he deserves to be acquitted.

All the hostages, based on reports, are alive,

I have mixed feelings. I welcome this opportunity to present my side because I was denied that right in the impeachment trial when prosecutors walked out. I was convicted in the streets.

I pray that your protest will remain peaceful . . . I say to you again, I am innocent. I will answer all the charges and I will prove that I am innocent,

Let’s leave it to the Senate, I will accept whatever is the verdict of the Senate,

We are determined to save the hostages and not put them in harm’s way,

I am keeping my fingers crossed. I am going to do all I can do so that PAL will not close down,

That just goes to show that he is a liar.

Desperate and cowardly people are behind this, … Their only aim is to advance their political agenda.