Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo began her presidency with rumors of a military coup and the dramatic public reappearance of her deposed predecessor Joseph Estrada challenging the legality of her leadership.

Last week Arroyo responded to questions fielded by seven foreign correspondents, including TEMPO's Gita W. Laksmini, at a press meeting at the Malacañang Palace. She began by stating she was the legitimate president of the Republic of the Phil