The NPA rebels have backed out of peace talks with the government, saying that they believed president Arroyo was going to be forced out soon. The NPA believes they could get a better deal with whoever, succeeds Arroyo, and if Arroyo defeats the efforts to remove her, peace talks can be resumed. While two recent presidents (Estrada and Marcos) have been forced out of office, Arroyo is seen as stronger and shrewder than either of them. The situation, however, points out the the corruption in the Philippines is still pervasive and as resistant to reform as ever.