Gloria Stepping Down for Congress!!

Gloria stepping down to congress

Despite the many and harsh criticisms that are thrown against her, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo no doubt is running for congress for the upcoming election in 2010. She filed her certificate of candidacy at the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) office on December 1, 2009 (Tuesday) in San Fernando City, Pampanga, to run for the 2nd congressional district of the province. Pampanga being the first and largest province in the island of Luzon is divided into four legislative districts. The second District is comprised of the municipalities of Floridablanca, Guagua, Porac, Santa Rita, Sasmuan and Lubao.

Not ready to leave public service

According to her, it was a tough decision having a lot of things to consider and options to choose after she finally ends her term as the president of the Philippines. But, she emphasizes that one of her important reasons for running is because she wants to remain serving the people in Pampanga, which apparently is her hometown particularly in Lubao. In a recorded interview aired over the government-run dzRB radio station, Arroyo said: "Gaya ng alam ninyo, hiniling rin ako ng mga mamayan ng aking tahanang distrito sa Pampanga na manatili sa buhay publiko”

"After much soul-searching, I have decided to respond affirmatively to their call. To that end, I will file my (certificate of) candidacy for Congress in order to serve the hardworking people of my home province," she said.

Mrs. Arroyo added: "I am not ready to step down completely from public service."
The mere fact
The candidate we are dealing here has been in chief position for about nine years from now and apparently has a poor impression to many Filipinos. And since this is a free country with tons of outspoken people, what more can we expect to hear? In an estimated average, about 65% of people oppose her candidacy, saying that she is again only after the “kaban ng bayan”. Others say that she is becoming too egocentric like what her half sister, former Vice Gov. Cielo Macapagal-Salgado is pointing out. Salgado said in an interview with GMA News. "Nakasiyam na taon na siya, di ba? You have reached the highest post na binigay sa iyo ng mamamayan. Binigyan ka na ng pagkakataon, bigyan mo naman ng pagkakataon 'yung iba”.
Whereas to others they say that her candidacy is nothing but a plot, having it as stepping stone on being a prime minister. Although, 25% finds nothing wrong about it and even agrees she is fit for the job. The remaining 10% doesn’t seem to bother at all.
The mere fact is Gloria’s plan for candidacy is most likely to be badly criticized by many. But hey, before we fully establish our own opinions about this controversy, let’s try to consider her side into thinking.

There is nothing wrong
Primarily, there are no illegal impediments about it. Once a government officer rescinded a position in any elective capacity, he or she has the right to run for any position in the government as long as he or she is a qualified private citizen. So in other words like any other government officers, Mrs. Arroyo has the Right, the Privilege and the Prerogative. Secondly, she fits the suit. Pampanga is known for its rich agricultural and fishing industry, thus, the province deserves an economically competitive leader. Mrs. Arroyo is not that bad economist in fact she is considered as one of the topnotch economist in our country. She obtained a Master's degree in Economics from the Ateneo de Manila University and a doctorate degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines. And, she was a professor in economics at UP and Ateneo University. Not bad at all for a province like Pampanga.

Living in Democracy
It’s not that I am “pro-Gloria” and all. But, personally, I don’t see anything wrong about her candidacy because basically it’s her right, her privilege and her prerogative and she is unquestionably fit for the job. Yes, we all have our own opinions. But don’t we think we are taking this democratic view to far? Judging people on how they should lead their life is not democracy.
Further throwing harsh comments won’t even make any difference on her decision and neither will bring benefits to our country, instead were just imposing another image of conflict. No one knows her real intentions anyway. She said that she is not yet ready to give up public service, whoever knows what that means. Why judge? Democracy is for everyone. All we can do is to face this reality and learn to respect each one’s freewill; we don’t prevent people from doing what they want, we just have to live with it. And maybe, rather than blabbering around and making this more controversial, why don’t we try to look at ourselves first and ask, is it ok that someone would hinder us on something we are right of having? And instead of harsh words against people, why won’t we just pray and hope for the best, that in spite of all the short comings, God will help make things right. And besides, by the end of the Election Day the decision will still be up to the hands of the voters.