"There should be no doubt that the President wants to end her term in 2010," Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said in a statement.

Bunye issued the statement after Arroyo's critics doubted her sincerity when she said she will "step down" in 2010. Arroyo said these words when she delivered the annual State of the Nation Address at the Congress on Monday.

Critics have scored Arroyo for breaking her word that she will not run in the 2004 presidential election. Her victory over actor Fernando Poe Jr. in the election was marred by allegations of massive cheating.

Bunye said Arroyo only wants to leave the government "with a solid foundation that her successor can continue to build on."

The press secretary also urged the public and critics to help the President attain her dream of transforming the Philippines into a first world country in 20 years.