Arroyo won't neglect presidential duties

EVEN when she starts campaigning for a congressional seat this coming Friday, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will keep focus on national affairs and still run the country, Malacañang said Saturday.

Presidential spokesman Ricardo Saludo said while Mrs. Arroyo will try to touch base with Pampanga residents, she will not neglect her presidential duties.

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“Her focus is still on national affairs, she will not abandon her duties as president. She will even preside over the upcoming Cabinet meeting this Tuesday,” he said on government-run dzRB radio.

The campaign period for local positions, including those in the House of Representatives, will start on March 26. Mrs. Arroyo will run for congresswoman in Pampanga’s second district.

Mrs. Arroyo’s critics claim her congressional bid is part of a grand plan where her allies push for a shift to a parliamentary form of government where she could become Prime Minister.

Before confirming her congressional plans late last year, Mrs. Arroyo had made more than 50 visits to Pampanga, her home province.

“She will have a chance to touch base with voters in Pampanga,” Saludo said of the campaign period.

On the other hand, Saludo said another sign of Mrs. Arroyo’s continued focus on national affairs will be her presiding over this Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting.

He said he will report on reconstruction efforts stemming from the damage caused by killer cyclones last year.

The National Economic and Development Authority will also give an update on the economy, he said.

“These are just two of the items on the agenda of our Cabinet meeting,” he said. (JMR/Sunnex)