No need for another Arroyo in Congress in 2010

KABATAAN PARTY-LIST REP. MONG PALATINO TODAY criticized President Gloria Arroyo for visiting Pampanga “for the nth time”, saying that the purpose of her hometown visits are “too parochial.”

The itinerary of Arroyo’s visit to Pampanga today included the inspection of a covered court and other proposed government projects in various barangays.

“Why is the President spending too much time visiting one of the country’s richest provinces? If she really intends to maximize her last months in office, she should be spending most of her time as President going to the poorest areas in the country,” he said.

Palatino said, “The fact that she visited Pampanga for the 47^th time this year only supports speculations that she intends to run for a congressional seat next year. This is not surprising at all, desperate times call for desperate measures for the President,” said Palatino, pointing out that Arroyo has only managed so far to thwart numerous cases of corruption and graft because of her executive immunity from lawsuits.

Palatino also reacted to separate statements made by Palace spokesman Anthony Golez and local Pampanga officials saying that the country would benefit if Arroyo joins the elections anew because of her experience as a Senator, Vice President and President.

“Congress is already populated by too many Arroyos. Despite being the biggest government office in the land, masyadong nang masikip ang Kongreso para sa mga Arroyo. The Arroyos already wield so much influence in Congress. With the possible addition of Arroyo next year, the House will virtually become the House of Arroyos.”

Currently, there are four Arroyos in the House of Representatives: Presidential sons Mikey and Dato Arroyo, First Gentleman Mike Arroyo’s brother Iggy Arroyo, and his younger sister, Ma. Lourdes Arroyo, who claims to represent small entrepreneurs. ###