Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

By and large, our political system has betrayed its promise to each new generation of Filipinos, not a few of whom are voting with their feet, going abroad and leaving that system behind. ”

Over the years, our political system has degenerated to the extent that it is difficult for anyone to make any headway yet keep his hands clean. ”

As the leader of the nation, I say in behalf of the Filipino people to the world: we are strong and principled believers in democracy. ”

Our political system needs changing. It needs to move away from personalities and patronage to a system of party programs and consultation with the people. ”

It is simply the truth that the political system that I am part of has degenerated to the point that it needs fundamental change. ”

I sow; my successor reaps. This is the majesty of democracy. ”

I want to create economic opportunity at home and abroad. I don't want just one or the other. I want both. ”

The Philippines and the U.S. have had a strong relationship with each other for a very long time now. We have a shared history. We have shared values, democracy, freedom, and we have been in all the wars together in modern history, the World War, Second World War, Cold War, Vietnam, Korea, now the war on terrorism. ”

In all the things I've gone through as a politician, I have seen that in this system it is really very difficult to make any headway without being somehow tainted. And let me say, 'Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.' ”

I can't do everything alone. I need all Filipinos to unify. ”