‘Cabinet candidates’ part of ploy for Arroyo-dominated Congress
Kabataan Partylist Representative Raymond ‘Mong’ Palatino today slammed the partylist bids of presidential son Pampanga Cong. Juan Miguel ‘Mikey’ Arroyo and Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes.
The young Arroyo is reportedly eyeing a partylist seat as a nominee for AGP, a partylist of security guards, while Sec. Reyes has announced that he will be a nominee for transport group 1-Utak.
“The Arroyos and their allies must stop mocking the partylist system. The partylist system is meant to ensure representation for marginalized sectors. Nobody in their right mind will ever believe that they are marginalized,” Palatino said.
“Sec. Reyes representing transport groups is plain incredible. He has conspired with giant oil companies during the height of the oil crisis in the country,” said the youth solon.
Cabinet candidates
Palatino said that this is yet part of a grand ploy to squeeze in more Arroyos and allies in the 15th Congress.
“This is clearly for the speakership. They are utilizing all means to escape accountability and to further push the charter change agenda meant to perpetuate Pres. Arroyo into power,” he said.
Prominent Arroyo allies are also seeking congressional seats. Palatino dubbed them the “Cabinet candidates.”
Aside from Pres. Arroyo, some of her most trusted Cabinet members are also running for district representative, among them, Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera, Former Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya, Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap and Presidential Management Staff Chief Hermogenes Esperon.
Currently, there are four Arroyos in the Congress: Mikey (2nd District of Pampanga), Dato (1st District, Camarines Sur), Iggy (5th District, Negros Occidental), and Ma. Lourdes (Ang Kasangga Partylist). ###
