GMA still undecided on political plans

By Paolo Romero (The Philippine Star)
Updated November 26, 2009 12:00 AM


MANILA, Philippines - With just six days to go before the deadline of the filing of certificates of candidacy, President Arroyo has yet to decide on her political plans for next year, her election lawyer disclosed yesterday.

Lawyer Romulo Macalintal said he spoke with Mrs. Arroyo last Monday and asked her for instructions on what to say in answer to questions on whether she would run for Congress to represent her home province of Pampanga.

“She told me that she has not yet made a decision,” Macalintal told The STAR. “She said she has not made any statement yet on the matter.”

It was the first time that an official has admitted that Mrs. Arroyo was considering the option of running in the May 2010 elections.

Malacañang officials have repeatedly declined to confirm Mrs. Arroyo’s supposed plans to run for Congress next year.

Officials said the President never mentions the issue during their Cabinet meetings.

Asked whether Mrs. Arroyo would make a decision before the deadline of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on filing of certificates of candidacies, Macalintal said: “Yes, we can assume that.”

He said Mrs. Arroyo was aware of the strong clamor from the people of Pampanga to run and represent them in Congress.

According to Macalintal, Mrs. Arroyo is considering the call.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said Mrs. Arroyo has not consulted her party mates in the administration Lakas-Kampi-CMD over the issue.

Ermita though stressed the ruling party is ready to support any political decision she would make.

Ermita said Mrs. Arroyo is currently preoccupied in resolving the gruesome massacre in Maguindanao as well as her efforts on leaving a legacy of governance when she steps down in June next year.

If Mrs. Arroyo decides to run for Congress, Ermita said it would be good for the party as well as the country.

“What’s important is that the President continues to govern as President of the Republic to ensure she’ll be leaving a legacy of accomplishment under her watch,” Ermita said.

“Whatever she decides, you can be very sure that the President shall have deliberated on it very well,” he said.


Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=526841&publicationSubCategoryId=63