Before September 11, we were fighting terrorism in our southwestern Philippines, and it was a lonely fight. However, we were able to contain it now in one island in that part of the Philippines. But after September 11, and after the creation of the global coalition against terrorism, now we have allies, and I believe now it will easier with allies.

I want ordinary people to enjoy a decent standard of living, with ever increasing security, comfort and joy.

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

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.

The power of one, if fearless and focused, is formidable, but the power of many working together is better.

In the harshest possible terms, I condemn political killings.

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