Priest extols PGMA’s decision to run for House seat

Lubao, Pampanga (2 December) — While critics label President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s decision to run for Congress as “a diminution of the presidency,” Fr. Bogs Moraleja, who gave the homily during a concelebrated mass, is of another mind.

“Don’t believe those people who think that you are diminishing the presidency by running for Congress,” Moraleja told the president who was with First Gentleman Miguel Arroyo and her Cabinet in a mass celebrated by around 24 priests.

“Even the Lord God, who had the highest and noblest position in the heavens, came down to become man and to suffer with us,” he said.

“If some people will put you down because of what they think of you, we, Pampangenos, will lift you up. If they put you down because of what you are going to do, we will raise you up. Do not be afraid of this unprecedented move,” Moraleja said.

Paraphrasing the Bible, Moraleja said, “to be great is not to be looked up to but to look down on. Don’t be afraid to be looked down on.”

The mayors of several municipalities of Pampanga who trooped to the Palace last Saturday to prod the president to run for Congress with their signed petition, also came in full force to the St. Augustine Parish for the mass and accompany her to the Commission on Election regional office in San Fernando, Pampanga.

For his part, Congressman Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo said, he is privileged to have been given the chance to serve his constituents for three years as governor and six years as congressman.

“I have one term left, but I am giving it up to someone who is ten million times more intelligent than I am who can do far more for the Capampangans than I can,” he said. (PIA)