“For those who may still be doubting,” President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo says, “In no uncertain terms today: There will be elections in 2010.” The Philippine President made the assurance local leaders from the League of Municipalities of the Philippines at the Waterfront hotel in Mindanao’s Davao City, minutes after arriving from Egypt where she attended the 15th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Leaders meeting.

“And even as we begin fundamental political reform to fix our broken political system, let me say in no uncertain terms: There will be elections in 2010. Anyone who questions our resolve on this critical issue is undermining our nation’s commitment to a vibrant democracy,” the President said in obvious reference to doubting Thomases who have made a big issue out of a possible No-El or no elections scenario.

The Chief Executive called on the LMP to help ensure the success of the 2010 poll automation to send a strong signal that democracy remains strong and vibrant in the country. She congratulated the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for putting in place the automation of the 2010 polls as part of the country’s political reform.

“And I call on you dear mayors, not only to put up MRFs (Materials Recovery Facilities) in your barangays, but to support the Comelec in making the first ever nationwide automated elections in our country a success. These elections will send a signal that our democracy remains strong, viable and stable,” the President said.

Aside from their solid waste management programs to reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions, the President thanked the local government units (LGUs) for working together with government these past eight years that resulted to a sustained economic growth.

But the President said that, still, there are two Philippines – one where the economy is working again and moving ahead; and the other, where the political system is badly broken. The President thanked the LMP “for advocating the need to fix our broken political system.”

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