Catholic bishops have declared themselves unimpressed by outgoing Phillippines President Gloria Arroyo’s farewell speech on this week.

Cotaboto Auxiliary Bishop Jose Collin Bagaforo admitted that he did not watch it all the way through. Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez, chairman of the episcopal commission on public affairs, said Arroyo only listed her achievements and made no mention of the country’s growing numbers of poor people.

The speech was aired live on all local channels on Wednesday, one week before Arroyo steps down from office on June 30. “Look around you in our cities, as you drive by office towers that have changed the skyline; in our provinces, as you drive along the roads, bridges and ports where we have made massive investments,” she said.

But in an interview with Radio Veritas, Iñiguez said the President was not describing "real development". He asserted that Filipinos need "integral human development," where economic and moral progress are made together.

Meanwhile, leftist groups have announced they are planning a "rousing send-off" for Mrs. Arroyo, with marches, a giant clock to count down the final hours, a giant satirical mural and a "barrage of noise".

“People are undoubtedly happy that her nine year reign of terror and corruption will finally come to an end. With the end of her term comes the start of the process of making her and her officials accountable for their actions," said Renato Reyes Jr. of the leftist group Bayan.

Related reports
Manila lobby demands election recount
Filipino bishop says food security is top concern
Filipino bishops want freedom from corruption

PM10214.1607