By the end of the year, Arroyo had consolidated her political base, coming
out ahead of her rivals in the factional politics that has become increasingly
contentious. Frustrated by her tenacity, some opposition elements have flirted
with the political left and with ambitious military officers reportedly plotting
extra-constitutional means to oust the president.
6
Even as Arroyo’s opponents
scheme though, the weariness of many Filipinos with politics as usual makes
it unlikely that these efforts will garner wide public support. While she remains
unpopular, the inertia of public cynicism and lack of a charismatic alternative
will likely keep her in power, at least if she keeps her political and military
allies happy until her term ends in 2010.