Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, faced with the prospect of civil unrest unless she steps down at the end of her term, has vowed not to try to extend her time in office.

In her final state of the nation address July 27, Arroyo defended her record during her turbulent 8 years in power and assured lawmakers she would not lift term limits set by the constitution.

"I have never expressed the desire to extend myself beyond my term," Arroyo said. "At the end of this speech I shall step down from this stage … but not from the presidency. My term does not end until next year."