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

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.

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

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

I believe that the war against terrorism and the war against poverty in these times of turmoil go together. So you - when you fight one, you have to fight the other.

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

I am very grateful to our Muslim population. One of the things we've been doing is stepping up our inter-faith dialogue with the Muslim population. And I think that helped very much in their support for me.