On December 30, 2002, speech, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo surprised the audience and the whole nation of no intention of contesting a presidential campaign. She said that withdrawing from the race would relieve her of the burden of politics and allow her administration to devote the last year and half to strengthening the economy healing the deep divisions within Philippine society, and working for clean and honestelections in 2004.[1]
I have decided, not to run for president in the elections of 2004
By 2003, President Arroyo declared that again, she has no intention of contesting a presidential campaign for 2004 elections. Arroyo started her "term" as president after kicking out the former president and now jailed Joseph Estrada by the EDSA Dos.[2]
Campaign
But, on October 4, 2003, at Clark, Pampanga she break her statement of not running for 2004 elections. She saying that her change of heart was for a higher cause, and that she could not ignore the call to further serve the country.[3] Before the declaration day, Lakas party vice president Loren Legarda and Vice President Tito Guingona resigned from the party.[4] She tapped Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) head Secretary Gabriel Claudio as her campaign manager,[5] and former Quezon City congressman Michael "Mike" Defensor as her campaign spokesperson.[6]
While at campaign, even the rift between Panfilo Lacson's campaign and with actor Fernando Poe Jr.'sones expected to help Arroyo to top the survey,[7] as she only behind Poe. But even though rift still ongoing, Poe still tops many surveys.[8][9]
Arroyo also challenged Poe to debate in national television,[10] but Poe decline those.[11][12]
Harassment vs Lacson
Lacson's campaign team received harassment from the Arroyo campaign, such as tearing down their posters.[13]
On January 29, 2004, PRO-GLORIA for Progressive and Responsible Organizations for Good Leadership, Outstanding Reforms and Intelligent Actions pledged to Arroyo for mobilizing members to boost Arroyo's campaign and K-4 by parallel method. Also, Bigkis Pinoy, Lakas Pinoy, Kalipi, Aguman ng Kapampangan, Kaisahan ng Mamamayan para sa Bayan (Kaisambayan), Kaibigan ng OFW, the National Confederation of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association, United Filipino Seafarers, the Muslim Peace and Order Council for Metro Manila, and youth groups E-Gloria and Team Gloria joined Arroyo.[14]
Arroyo, taking her oath of office for a full-term as president in Cebu City. In front of her is Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. The result of the election was a loss for Poe.
After Poe's unsuccessful bid to the presidency, his supporters, which include the deposed Estrada's supporters, viewed the election results as flawed, and came under legal protest by Poe and his vice-presidential running-mate, former Senator Loren Legarda.[17] The poll protest was later thrown out by the Supreme Court acting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal,[18] as well as Legarda's protest.[19] Poe Jr. died on December 14, 2004, before planning to appeal the protest.[20][21]
