Philippine senate minority leader Aquilino "Nene" Q. Pimentel, Jr. on Monday said Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo's presidency is already "in its death throes" and any attempt to revive it will not work.

In response to a mild statement from the Catholic Bishops Conference on Sunday on easing political tensions around Arroyo, Pimentel said the president's effort to hang on to her position will fail and inflict more harm on the nation.

The minority leader said Arroyo should heed the advice of voluntary resignation.

He said that key officials of the Arroyo government are " jumping ship" and various organizations and individuals are withdrawing their support. "It's just a matter of days before the president's final exit."

"Maybe she is just waiting for first gentleman Mike Arroyo to fetch her. And she will join him on exile abroad," he said.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines on Sunday made a statement indicating it will not join calls for Arroyo's resignation. However, the opposition did not change their stand for Arroyo to step down.

Source: Xinhua