+Rep. Ignacio Arroyo Jr. (Neg. Occ., 5th district) and Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella should open their eyes to the reality that 65 percent of the Filipinos do not trust President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and want her out, Bayan-Negros secretary general Felipe Levy Gelle said yesterday.

Levy was referring to the results of the recently released Pulse Asia Inc. survey.

The survey showed that 65 percent of the Filipinos believe that the resignation or removal of Arroyo from office would be the best way to solve the country's political crisis but they did not have a consensus on how her successor should be chosen.

"Iggy Arroyo's assertion that people love GMA is shattered by the survey. In reality, the people continue to despise the Arroyo regime for alleged corruption, dictatorial governance and involvement in electoral fraud and plunder," Gelle said.

Rep. Arroyo could not be reached for comment.

Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella said "Whether they are right or wrong, I have always respected the opinion of others, they are entitled to that. But, as far as the surveys are concerned, I have lost respect for most, expect for the Social Weather Station."

Puentevella said he is glad President Arroyo has 40 percent acceptability if the survey findings are indeed true.

"For all we know maybe her successor will have 0 acceptability, 65 percent may not like her but the same 65 percent may not also have an alternative common choice," he said.

Alex Vicera, National Federation of Sugar Workers vice chairman, said in a separate statement that with the military and PNP backing Arroyo, she has joined the list of "dictators."

Presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye yesterday said "It is time to stop belaboring our opinions and buckle down to work. This nation will not move forward on the weight of polls. It is a clear plan for the nation and the determination to carry it out that will make the difference."*CPG

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