Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has filed her certificate of candidacy for the second district of Pampanga under the Lakas-CMD party.
Her lawyer, Peter Paul Maglalang, filed her COC on her on Friday, her son Rep. Juan Miguel Arroyo confirmed on Monday.
“She’s still very energetic. I believe she can serve the 2nd district much better than me at my very best,” the younger Arroyo told ABS-CBN News.
After the term ended, she was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as his adviser on Clark Flagship Programs and Projects.
Meanwhile, the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) on Monday expressed strong support behind Arroyo’s decision to run for Congress in next year’s election.
Led by Lakas-CMD President and House Majority Leader Martin G. Romualdez of Leyte’s first district, Secretary-General and Deputy Speaker Prospero Pichay Jr. of Surigao del Norte, Spokesman and Pangasinan Rep. Christopher de Venecia, and members of the Executive Committee, the party welcomed Arroyo’s COC filing.
“We strongly support the former President’s decision to return to public service, and to represent her constituents from the second district of Pampanga. Mrs. Arroyo has a proven track record with excellent credentials in leading our country to greater heights,” the party said in a statement.
“Given her abilities, competence, fairness, sound judgment, commitment and focused leadership, she will be a very promising leader and a tremendous asset to the incoming 19th Congress.”
“She was very diligent and hard-working during her stint as President of our country and Speaker of the House of Representatives. She leaves no stone unturned in the performance of her duties and always ensured that they were done with excellence and compassion for the people.”