President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo seeks congressional seat in Pampangga
Transcript of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s interview with DZRB reporter Marie Ruiz on seeking a congressional seat in Pampangga
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has affirmed her intention to seek a seat in the Philippine Lower House as the congresswoman of the 2nd district of Pampangga
Mga kababayan, lubusang karangalan at pribilehiyo para sa akin na maglingkod bilang Pangulo. Gumawa tayo ng malalaking pagsulong sa ekonomiya, edukasyon, ugnayang pandaigdigan, at paglikha ng trabaho.
But I’m very much looking forward to stepping down as President at the end of my term.
I have been mulling of different ways to stay involved.
Tiningnan ko ang pagbalik sa pagturo…After much contemplation, I realized I am not ready to step down completely from public service.
Gaya ng alam ninyo, hiniling rin ako ng mga mamayan ng aking tahanang distrito sa Pampanga na manatili sa buhay publiko. After much soul-searching, I have decided to respond affirmatively to their call. To that end, I will file my (certificate of) candidacy for Congress in order to serve the hardworking people of my home province.
Ang paglingkod sa publiko ay banal na trabaho. At a very young age, it was emblazoned on my DNA.
Umasa akong ipagpatuloy na i-kampiyon ang pangangailangan ng mahihirap, ipaglaban ang mas malakas na ekonomiya, at tiyaking nasa kaabutan ng karaniwang pamilyang Kapampangan ang edukasyon, paglinga sa kalusugan, at mga trabaho.
Binibigyan ako nito ng pagkakataong ituloy ang paglilingod mula sa pwestong mas malapit sa taumbayan
Hayaan niyong linawin ko, I will be firmly in control of our national government until the last day I am in office. As President, my first commitment is to the nation we all love. My bid for Congress will be spirited but secondary to my duties as president.
I will keep a steady hand on the pillar of the ship of state.
Our nation is entering a crucial election year, at the time when our economy has just survived a global recession. To believe in ensuring free, fair elections belongs to the Comelec. Now more than ever now, it is important for me to focus on my executive duties to help Comelec perform its roles.
I will ensure the resources required between the election and then i will work cooperatively for the incomoing administration so they can hit the ground running.
On running the country while campaigning for Congress
Pangunahing obligasyon ko ang aking tungkulin sa ilalim ng Konstitusyon bilang Pangulo. Malaking Karangalan sa akin maging Pangulo, I look forward to stepping down but I will remain firmly in charge of the nation.
Our economy depends on foreign policy until the last day I am in office.
Kaunting-kaunting panahon lamang ang gagamitin ko para sa kampanya sa Kongreso.
On allegations that seeking a Congressional seat is irresponsible of her
Alam ng lahat kung gaano ka-sipag ako bilang Pangulo ng ating bansa. I will continue with that level of commitment until my last day as President.
I am completely confident that I will perform the duties as President with the same level of intent and commitment as I always have. I will remain steadfast and responsible to the nation until my last day in office
On hiding behind the cloak of congressional immunity
The only congressional immunity is from libel suit or utterances made in a congressional session. Di yun ang hinahabol ko. This will reflect my onging commitment to public service.
I have given careful consideration to a number of options that I could pursue upon leaving office, but I have come to the conclusion that I can best serve the nation from a seat in Congress should I be elected.
Habang nagiginahawan akong bumaba bilang Pangulo sa susunod na taon, I was looking for the best way for me to continue to contribute to public life.
This campaign and a seat in Congress will satisfy the call of my constituents and my own desire for public service.
On having other options after her term ends
Oo, pinag-isipan ko maraming opportunidad. One day, I hope to pursue. Halimbawa, balang araw, pwede ako bumalik sa pagtuturo. Or work for causes near and dear to me, like the fight against climate change, improvement of education, and the cause (of) women.
Lahat ng mga pagkakatong ito ay bukas pa sa darating na taon. But now, the best way to continue to champion the things I love is in Congress.
On Charter change
That is so hypothetical, I won’t even bother to speculate about it
One can imagine I read it twice. While I am not as versatile on this subject, I agree with your closings because they make sense. Thanks and goodluck to you.