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.

I'm not worried. I'm in control.

I feel that if I am freed of the burden of politics, then I can do more and I can take more unpopular decisions. I can have as my guidance for decision whatever is right, not whatever is popular.

Filipino businessmen must have the ability to compete freely in the global economy.

On the economy, the U.S. cumulatively is our most important investor, most important trading partner, most important sort of tourists, and we have now a tie that will... a link that will be here for many, many years to come, and that is the big Philippine-American community in the United States - three million of them.

Optimism is infectious, and opportunity irresistible. Progress follows progress. Someone, even government, just has to get it started.

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.