Arroyo Allies Gain Sway in Lower House
From Times Wire Reports
New Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo consolidated her grip on power when a coalition backing her wrested control of the House of Representatives from supporters of deposed leader Joseph Estrada.
The coalition elected minority leader Feliciano Belmonte, an Arroyo supporter, as the new speaker.
Grappling with a depleted treasury and volatile markets, Arroyo also won pledges of support from the United States and international financial institutions.
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