Crunch time for Arroyo

PHILIPPINE President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo faces a crucial week as flagging opposition attempts to impeach her come to a head and a court rules on the centrepiece of her economic reform plans.

Since her presidency was taken to the brink of collapse last month when ministers and other allies deserted her, Ms Arroyo has used her formidable political machinery to shore up her support and fend off a steady stream of fresh allegations against her.

But political analysts say she still looks fragile given her dire popularity ratings and as Filipinos brace for an economic chill from spiralling world oil prices that could be worsened by Ms Arroyo’s attempts to raise taxes.