Most corrupt president - Poll
Fri, December 21 2007
|
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has
weathered many presidential
storms during her tumultuous reign |
The nationwide survey by independent pollster Pulse Asia, released Tuesday, found that 42 percent of Filipinos believed Arroyo is the most corrupt president, compared to 35 percent for Marcos.
The survey of 1,200 people was conducted Oct. 20-31 as the government was embroiled in a bribery scandal involving a national broadband contract with a Chinese company. Arroyo was later forced to cancel the deal.
The Manila-based pollster's survey had a margin or error of 3 percentage points.
Cabinet Secretary Ricardo Saludo blamed the result on critical media coverage, saying the results show "what happens when media publishes accusations and insinuations against the government without bothering to verify or even ask for the basis of charges."
Marcos, ousted in the country's first "people power" revolt in 1986, was accused of stealing billions of dollars (euros) during his rule.
Arroyo's predecessor, Joseph Estrada, who was toppled in a 2001 popular uprising over allegations of corruption, was picked as the third most corrupt leader.
He was convicted of plunder in September but was pardoned by Arroyo about a month later.
Corazon Aquino, who was swept to power after Marcos was ousted, was the least corrupt, according to the survey.
Arroyo has survived four failed power grabs and three impeachment bids since 2001. Coup rumors have since persisted, often related to a series of corruption scandals hounding her government.
The survey asked: "In your opinion, which president is the most corrupt in the history of the Philippines?" and followed with a list of the current and past leaders
Your reactions
