The Philippines was with the U.S. in the Second World War, in the Korean War, in the Vietnam War, and now in the war against terrorism.

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.

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.

Now I ask you to make your sacrifice. Take a gamble. I took the plunge and I'm glad of it.

The military is faithful to the constitution. They will come in only to protect the people from the enemies of the state.

The Philippines has no policy that demands sacrifice of human lives.

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.