Arroyo declared winner in Philippine election

Philippines President Gloria Mapacagal Arroyo was officially proclaimed winner of last month’s election, but the opposition refused to concede and repeated its allegations of massive vote fraud.

“To my detractors, I appeal for unity,” Arroyo said in Manila. “To my supporters, I appeal for an open mind. This is a time for forgiveness, of letting go of the past.”

Congress, which monitors ballot-counting and declares the winner, voted to proclaim Arroyo after a marathon overnight session.

With official ballot results giving her a 1.1-million victory margin and her allies controlling the House and Senate, the result was never in doubt.

But as throughout the bitter, six-week ballot count, the opposition fought every step of the way, alleging that massive vote fraud stole victory from action film star Fernando Poe Jr.

The rancorous confrontation may not be over, either.

Arroyo’s inauguration is scheduled for June 30, and the opposition has warned that another “people power” revolt is possible. Security forces were on high alert three unexploded bombs were found in the capital in recent days.

Opposition Senator Aquilino Pimentel warned that ramming the proclamation through “might reap the whirlwind of instability for the country”.

A protest against Arroyo’s victory ended peacefully today when about 200 leftists were dispersed while trying to march on the presidential palace.