PGMA Ensures Smooth Transition with Successor

Lubao, Pampanga (2 December) — “I will keep a steady hand on the tiller of the ship of state and will work to ensure a smooth transition to my successor.”

So said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during her filing her certificate of candidacy for the congressional seat of the second district of Pampanga, with the assurance that she “will be firmly in control of the national government until my last day in office as president.

“As president, my first commitment is to the nation we all love,” Mrs. Arroyo told thousands of admiring provincemates who applauded and shouted her name at every turn.

She then asked her loyal supporters-from all walks of life, including the priests that concelebrated the mass at St. Augustine Parish here-”to campaign hard for me and ensure my victory as I continue performing my tasks as president.”

“We have gone far, and too much is at stake for me to waver now in my commitment to the people of the nation,” she declared.

The President said that under her leadership, the country’s economy survived the global recession. She said her most important task now in the executive department is to support the Commission on Elections in its goal of ensuring clean, honest and orderly elections.

The president said she is deeply honored for the privilege to serve the Filipino people. It is for them, she added, that great strides were made in the economy, healthcare, education, global engagement and job generation by her administration.

After her speech, the presidential convoy, which was joined in by mayors of the different districts of Pampanga, motored to the Comelec regional office in San Fernando.

The president said she thought of going back to teaching or working with an NGO to advance the cause of education, environment, and women’s rights.

“I realized I am not ready to step down completely from public service,” she explained. “That is why I responded affirmatively to your pleas for me to be your representative in Congress.” (PIA)