Arroyo stays strong as she heads into Philippine election

[dArKeR]

REUTERS , MANILA
Saturday, Apr 24, 2004,Page 5

The departure of a rival has helped lift Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo into her biggest poll lead before general elections on May 10, the latest national survey showed yesterday.

The poll, the second in two weeks showing Arroyo pulling ahead, backed the view of many analysts that she is reaping the benefits of a better-funded campaign than her four opponents, who accuse her of misusing state funds to win votes.

It also raises the pressure on the opposition to unite behind action movie hero Fernando Poe Jr, who has lost a January lead of around eight points, or former police chief Panfilo Lacson.

Both men say they will not yield as presidential candidates.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2004/04/24/2003137904