Arroyo blasts corruption

Wed, 21 Mar 2001 | Source: REUTERS

MANILA (Reuters): Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo urged government officials and employees on Tuesday to launch what she called a moral revolution to stamp out corruption.

Arroyo's remarks followed a survey by the Hong Kong-based consultancy firm Political & Economic Risk Consultancy Ltd. which showed the Philippines was perceived as one of Asia's most corrupt countries.

Arroyo took office on Jan. 20 after her predecessor Joseph Estrada was ousted amid a popular revolt sparked by the collapse of his impeachment trial over corruption.

The government has filed two complaints of corruption and plunder, a crime punishable by death, against the deposed president. Estrada has denied the charges, calling them lies peddled by his political foes.

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