LUBAO – Governor Lilia Pineda is happy that she can finally work again with former President and now Second District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo after her acquittal in a plunder case.
Pineda is known to be close friends with the former President as they come from the same town in Pampanga.
She said that it feels great to have a former President to work with in terms of developing further the province.
“The Kapampangans are happier because progress in the province will be intensified with her help,” she added.
Arroyo on Saturday visited her hometown and was welcomed by her supporters before attending the thanksgiving mass prepared for her acquittal, which was presided by Archbishop Emeritus Paciano Aniceto.
She was accompanied by her husband, Jose Miguel Arroyo, former Second District Representative Mikey Arroyo, some relatives, Vice Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda, mayors, board members, other elected officials and friends.
In her speech after the mass, the former president thanked Pineda, Archbishop Aniceto, and all of her friends and supporters especially to those who visited her during her hospital arrest at Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City.
She also expressed her dismay over the past administration where she said she was “politically oppressed” during her hospital detention.
“I hope I will be the last victim of this oppression,” Arroyo added.
Meanwhile, Pineda and Arroyo discussed how to solve the problem of illegal drugs in the province, especially in second district.
“We are planning on what to do with all of the surrenderees for thorough rehabilitation,” Pineda said.
The governor also asked the media to help them in disseminating the message that the provincial government will never forsake the surrenderees if they are true to their change of heart.
“It is a big help that you tell them that the government loves them,” she said.
Pineda also hopes that Mrs. Arroyo will pass more bills with regards to the development of Pampanga especially in social services and agriculture. (Philip Ocampo/Pampanga PIO)