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The opposition to Arroyo solidified last week, after he appeared before the Philippine Congress to defend the government's performance in quelling the last mutiny. Though he had planned to ask Congress to close ranks behind Aquino, Arroyo instead spent three hours berating the military, the Roman Catholic Church and the business community for failing to support her during the uprising. He compared Ramos' spokesman Colonel Honesto Isleta with Joseph Goebbels, Hitler's propagandist. Arroyo said that three of the country's leading businessmen, all longtime Aquino boosters, are guilty of treason for plotting to have him fired. He also attacked Vice President Salvador Laurel, who a few days earlier had polled loyal soldiers on their opinion of Colonel Gregorio ("Gringo") Honasan, the leader of the most recent rebellion. The soldiers felt that Honasan should not only be pardoned but also promoted. Arroyo accused Laurel of fomenting dissent.
If Arroyo's congressional outbursts sealed his fate, he provided a dramatic encore in private Malacanang sessions. Palace insiders report that the President witnessed a series of intense backroom shouting matches between Arroyo and Trade and Industry Secretary Jose Concepcion, whose twin brother Raul was among the businessmen the Executive Secretary had accused of treason. As other Cabinet members joined in the melee, a furious Aquino said, "Don't you people have anything else to do except fight and quarrel with each other?" To the officials present she said, "I want all your resignations right now." She then called the emergency session of the full Cabinet. Said U.S. Political Analyst Richard Kessler: "For a long time, the question has been, 'Can Cory live without Joker?' Now she really can't live with him."
Even without Arroyo, Aquino would still face daunting difficulties. "Dropping him may change the climate," said Blas Ople. "It won't change any fundamental problems." Though she has managed to revive democratic institutions, Aquino has yet to forge a clear set of legislative priorities. Her attempts at promoting economic recovery were sidetracked by last month's uprising. Meanwhile, rumors are swirling that Honasan is planning to launch another takeover attempt, this time using tanks under his command. And late last week, Communist guerrillas waged a heated battle with government troops + just 30 miles away from Manila. Aquino is likely to find that keeping Arroyo in the Cabinet could make her life more difficult -- but that dropping him may not make things much easier.