GMA bid for Congress in 2010 a blow to Philippine politics

Deputy Minority Leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo today said “Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo should not impose her plans to run for Congress in the 2010 elections on the nation.”

“Her intention to run speaks volumes on how she ignores her consistent unpopularity ratings. After desperately clinging to her post for almost 10 years, it would be better for the Filipino people if she retires politically. The people have suffered enough,” Ocampo said.

“It would definitely be a massive step backwards in the political growth and maturity of the Philippines if Mrs. Arroyo insists on holding yet another post after the presidency. It would be akin to thumbing a nose at the fight against corruption and the struggle for good governance,” he said.

Ocampo said that the people of Pampanga – as well as the rest of the nation – deserve a leader who will not use her position to protect herself at the expense of her constituency.

“The watchword, ‘change’ or ‘pagbabago,’ is also a rallying call. We shouldn’t recycle politicians who have proven themselves highly unworthy of the public trust and who represent the worst of Philippine traditional politics. If Macapagal-Arroyo does decide to run, we can only hope that the people of Pampanga will choose someone else to represent them in Congress,” Ocampo concluded.

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