MANILA, Philippines ? (UPDATE) President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is ?deeply committed to smooth transition to a new government? and is counting on the Armed Forces of the Philippines ?to help us prove that our democracy works for the future of our nation?s children.?

Arroyo made this assurance Wednesday at the formal turnover ceremony of the AFP where newly appointed chief Lieutenant General Delfin Bangit took over from General Victor Ibrado who retired today.

"We remain deeply committed to smooth transition to a new government," Arroyo said in her speech, maintaining that she made the right decision in choosing Bangit.

"We can count on the AFP to help us prove that our democracy works for the future of our nation's children," she said, referring to the national polls on May 10 that will pave the way for a new president.

"The people come first. Our accomplishments and progress to date must be passed on to new leaders to continue the forward march of progress," she said.

Arroyo also said that there should a concrete plan to attain development.

"We can't put food on the table with just hope. We need detailed plan of action... and turn them into tangible results," Arroyo said.

Arroyo's comments follow months of accusations from opposition politicians and other critics that she is seeking a way to stay in power after her term ends, even though she is required by the Constitution to step down.

Critics say Arroyo could secretly be plotting to derail the national elections, then maneuver to remain president amid the ensuing chaos.

Arroyo has also taken the unprecedented step of running for a House of Representatives seat in the May elections.

Her critics have alleged she may be aiming to become Speaker, giving her a platform to orchestrate a change of Constitution that would allow her to become the nation's first prime minister.

"We do not trust the president," Butch Abad, campaign manager of the opposition Liberal Party, told Agence France-Presse.

"She has shown on many occasions that she is hell-bent on remaining in power. This administration has not given us reason to believe otherwise."

Abad cited widespread allegations that Arroyo cheated to win the 2004 elections, partly through the influence of generals who were assigned to oversee crucial voting areas.