The Wutz Up in the Philippines!

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang urged critics yesterday not to use the death of former President Corazon Aquino for their political agenda.

Deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez and presidential economic spokesman Gary Olivar were commenting on the warning given by Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, president of the United Opposition, that the outpouring of support at the burial of Mrs. Aquino may turn into a “political upheaval” against Mrs. Arroyo if she tries to extend her term.

Olivar said there could be no upheaval because Mrs. Arroyo would step down from office next year.

“The mayor’s warning is gratuitous, redundant and unnecessary since the President has already stated she has no agenda of extending her term beyond 2010,” Olivar said.

Presidential adviser for political affairs Gabriel Claudio also scored Binay’s warning, saying such a statement was a far cry from the gesture of Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, who courteously received the President when she visited his mother’s wake at the Manila Cathedral.

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But analysts say Cory’s death spells trouble.

SASMUAN, PAMPANGA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo did not feel threatened by the multitudes of people who had gathered for the burial of former President Corazon Aquino on Wednesday, a Malacañang official said here on Thursday.

Analysts, however, say the resurgence of the “people power” movement after the death of Aquino has damaged her political foe, Ms Arroyo.

“We have nothing to be threatened [about],” said the President’s deputy spokesperson, Lorelei Fajardo. “We’re happy to see that our people have shown their support and love for our nation again and that’s a good sign.”

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MANILA, Philippines - Newly merged administration party Lakas-Kampi-CMD would decide by the end of next month whether or not a non-member could be its standard-bearer in the 2010 elections, officials said Wednesday.

The party would also come up with their criteria and shortlist of national candidates by July 31, said presidential political adviser Gabriel Claudio, the party’s secretary general.

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SAN JUAN, BATANGAS, MARCH 27, 2009 (STAR) By Marvin Sy - Malacañang reiterated yesterday that the elections would push through as scheduled next year and that it is not taking part in any effort to amend the Constitution.

Presidential adviser on political affairs Gabriel Claudio said President Arroyo’s signing of the supplemental budget gave the green light for the 2010 elections to push through.

“The automation budget has been enacted, Comelec (Commission on Elections) has gone full blast preparing for our first nationwide computerized elections and the administration coalition is pursuing its selection process in earnest,” Claudio said.

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The administration has narrowed down to three its potential candidates for the presidential derby in 2010, Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio said Thursday.

Claudio said the administration will make their final choice based on the candidates’ winnability, qualifications, track record, and support for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Only after they have selected their presidential bet will they choose their vice-presidential candidate, he added.

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