Pressure builds on Arroyo

Manila will be braced for more protests this week, as pressure builds on President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to stand down, her administration facing allegations of corruption.

As the country marks the 22nd anniversary of the overthrow of former President Ferdinand Marcos, rally organisers are hoping to generate another 'people power' movement. Some 10,000 people demonstrated against the president earlier this month, the largest protests in years. A telecommunications deal under Senate investigation has triggered the latest criticisms of the government, and Arroyo recently lost a key ally, former Speaker Jose de Venecia, to the opposition.

Yet another dramatic political downfall is unlikely. The government has already designated Monday a non-working holiday, which may reduce turnout. Arroyo also has a proven ability to overcome her critics: she has survived multiple attempted impeachments and coup bids and fully intends to complete her term, due to expire in 2010.

She can also point to successes during her term in office, particularly on the economy, although her record on political and security issues is questionable. Arroyo has support from the military, legislators and the Catholic Church. Perhaps most important of all, she benefits from the fact that many Filipinos just want a quiet life.