President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo converses with Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) National Federation president Jane Censoria Cajes during the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) National Congress Convention Wednesday October 28, 2009 in Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center, Subic Zambales.(Rey Baniquet/OPS-NIB Photo)

In a Palace press release Friday in Manila, “President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has yet to decide” as what is being described as a public call on the sitting Philippine President to seek a congressional seat in Pampanga province. The statement spoke of a large delegation of local leaders who are asking for Arroyo to run in Pampanga – a move the opposition says will be part of plans to eventually seek the speakership and move towards changing the Philippine political system in long term to a parliamentary democracy.

But for now Arroyo’s press office says the President is still undecided.  ”Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the President remained undecided even if more than 500 of her supporters trooped to Malacanang this morning urging her to represent them in the second district of Pampanga”

“The President has no decision yet, perhaps we should wait for the proper announcement regarding this matter,” Remonde said during a media briefing in Malacanang.

Members of various multi-sectoral groups in the six towns of the second district of Pampanga urged the President to run to provide continuity to her numerous projects and programs she initiated and implemented in their district. The group represents some 800 organizations in the six towns composed of farmers, fishermen, indigenous (Aetas), businessmen, professionals and the transport and women sectors.

They thanked the President for her numerous projects that include the establishment and provision of farm-to-market roads, post-harvest facilities, certified seeds, irrigation, potable water, electricity, schools, various scholarships, anti-flooding projects and distribution of certificates of ancestral domain titles (CADTs) for the Aetas.

The group also presented to the President a manifesto convincing her to run as congresswoman in Pampanga.

“Ito ang aming panawagan Pangulong Gloria, kayo po ay aming pinakikiusapan na tumakbo bilang kinatawan sa Kongreso sa ikalawang distrito ng Pampanga, kayo ang gusto naming kumatawan sa amin sa Kongreso upang doon ay ituloy ninyo ang mga nasimulang proyekto at programa, upang doon ay patuloy ninyong maitaguyod ang inyong mga dakilang mithiin hindi lamang sa Pampanga, kundi sa buong bayan,” the manifesto read.

The President, however, did not make any categorical statement but just smiled and thanked her cabalens. The group said they are hoping the President would heed their call and file her candidacy before the December 1 deadline.

Meanwhile today, President Arroyo opened the gates of Malacañang today to indigent residents of 22 barangays that ring the Palace compound, in observation of Common Tao Day tradition started by her father, the late President Diosdado Macapagal.

Immediately after her briefing on climate change and solid waste management with barangay captains and kagawads at Malacanang’s Heroes Hall, the president walked outside and joined thousands of indigent residents who came to see her. The chief executive handed over wheelchairs to physically impaired Francisco Soriano and Norma Reyes. She then awarded Certificate of Guarantee Letters for medical and dialysis treatment to Rodolfo Gabriel and Benjamin Cruz.

The president awarded portable nebulizer machines and medical kits to each of the barangays. Each medical kit contains assorted medicines, blood pressure apparatus, syringes, surgical gloves, bandages, breast pumps, and specimen bottles.

After awarding a videoke machine to raffle winners, Barangay 634, the president distributed Christmas gift packs to residents. Joining the president in the celebration were Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante and officials and employees of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office

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