The authority of the president, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, will remain fragile over the forecast period. However, her strengthened position in the lower house will make it difficult for the opposition to impeach her, and as a result she is likely to remain in power until the end of her term in 2010. Private consumption will remain the main driver of the economy, although GDP growth will slow from 6.8% in 2007 to an average of 5.5% in 2008-09. Annual consumer price inflation will remain low, but will increase slightly to an average of 3.4% over the forecast period. Buoyant remittances from Filipinos working overseas will ensure that the current account remains in surplus.