MANILA, Philippines – Faced with fresh rumors of a destabilization plot against her administration, President Arroyo once again turned to her tried and tested weapon against her opponents – prayer.
Although the said destabilization plot was not known to the public, the President’s supporters showed text messages warning of opposition leaders joining hands with party-list representatives, the communist party and even jailed rightist rebels to stage a coup against the government.
The pro-Arroyo supporters under the banner of Mahal Ko Bayan Ko joined the President in a midnight mass at the Heroes’ Hall in Malacañang, which was opened to media coverage.
Lucena bishop Emilio Marquez officiated the mass, which was attended by friends of the President from Mahal Ko Bayan Ko and a handful of legislators.
According to Mahal Ko Bayan Ko head Evelyn Kilayko, they requested that the petition for the mass be unity, peace, sobriety and a safe and fruitful trip for the President, who is set to leave for the United States Monday night. – Marvin Sy, Evelyn Macairan