MANILA – A key ally of president Gloria Arroyo has apologized after calling her "the luckiest bitch around" because she has repulsed military rebellions and impeachments, reports said yesterday.

ABS-CBN television showed Joey Salceda, governor of Albay province and a key Arroyo economic adviser, telling a conference that "she may be a bitch but she's the luckiest bitch around."

Salceda cited the country's high economic growth while defending the president's performance against critics who are seeking her ouster over corruption allegations.

After making the statement, Salceda realized the event was being taped for television and tried to retract the remark.

"It was a joke in poor taste," Salceda said, adding that it was a tongue-in-cheek comment.

Arroyo, who is known for her fiery temper in private, has been under growing pressure to resign amid allegations of vote fraud and new accusations that her husband and a key ally are involved in seeking massive bribes.

She has survived two impeachment attempts and a series of military mutinies since coming to power in 2001.

However in 2007 she helped bring about the highest economic growth in 31 years, the lowest inflation in 20 years and the lowest budget deficits in 10 years.*AFP

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