‘GMA survival hinges on political will’

Amid constant challenges to her governance, President Arroyo’s national security adviser said the survival of her administration depends on its political will to carry out reforms in the country.

National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales said the nation’s problem is that with the continuing stalemate between a weakening opposition and an unpopular political leadership, there is no pursuit of fundamental reforms or programs for the people.

"The survival of the Macapagal-Arroyo government is hinged on its political will to initiate much-needed fundamental reforms," Gonzales told members of his party, Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas (PDSP), during a meeting over the weekend in Quezon City.

In a PDSP statement, Gonzales, who is the party’s founding chairman, noted that of all existing political forces in the country the Arroyo government is still in the best position to lead the radical transformation of Philippine society.

What the country needs is proper utilization of political power to pursue radical societal changes, he said.

Gonzales warned that "political power is for the taking by any group right now." He added, though, that "the government can muster that power if it makes up its mind" on political and economic reforms to be undertaken.

The PDSP espouses "social revolution." Its steering committee adopted last month the "Program Points for Addressing the Revolutionary Situation" drafted by former Jesuit Society provincial superior Fr. Romeo Intengan.

In its planning conference over the weekend, the committee identified its priority advocacy that includes strong opposition to the no-election proposal and support for Charter change, electoral reforms and judicial reforms, among other advocacies espoused by the party’s basic sectors. — Perseus Echeminada