Arroyo coy about re-election bid

Several lawmakers opted to skip her State of the Nation address, with one saying he would join street protests against Arroyo, Inquirer.net reported.

"The real state of the nation, with most Filipinos suffering from poverty, will never be discussed within the red carpet hallways of Batasan nor will it be exemplified by Arroyo's own list of so-called achievements and legacy," Liza Maza, another lawmaker who did not attend the address, said in a statement.

Lawmakers also said they were protesting decisions by Arroyo's allies in the House to push for a constituent assembly to amend the country's constitution without the Senate's participation, Philippine media said.