President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to run for Congress!

Congresswoman?

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to run for Congress. There's something fundamentally wrong with this headline, don't you think? When you have been President of the Philippines, what do you have left to prove? Apparently running for Congress is up next for Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Is she this power hungry, that being President for nine years is not enough for her? And I thought I've seen it all in Philippine politics. Can you believe the nerve of this woman?

From the Inquirer:

MANILA, Philippines-- President Macapagal-Arroyo ended on Monday, months of suspense over her political future by announcing that she would seek a seat in the next Congress representing the second district of Pampanga.

Ms Arroyo claimed her decision to run was the product of both her desire to pursue public service and heed what she called “clamor” by her province mates.

“After much contemplation, I realized I’m not ready to step down completely from public service,” she announced in a guided interview with the government-run “Radyo ng Bayan”.

...(As you all know, I have been asked by the citizens of my home district in Pampanga to stay on in public life), so after much soul-searching, I have decided to respond affirmatively to their call,” she said.

Oh come on, spare us the drama Madam President. None of this "I still desire to serve the people" crap. Admit it, you have just gotten so used to power, you are probably afraid you'll have withdrawal symptoms like a two-bit crackhead when your term ends. I could understand that. It's preferable than hearing these platitudes.

I was there, dude!

I have never been a Gloria hater, in fact I joined the mass protests at EDSA 2. I was in the crowd (with my cousin Majin) when she was sworn in as the second woman President of the Philippines . I think there was a lot to admire in her handling of the economy. And honestly I just did not pay that much attention to the shenanigans of politicians. Apathy is my middle name, you know.

So what should we make of this? The woman who became president due to a peaceful popular uprising turned out to be just as power-hungry as the rest of the men. I guess it was too much to hope that Gloria Macapagal Arroyo would have even a little of the much beloved Cory Aquino's character and dignity. The first woman president knew when to relinquish power,the second clings to power like a desperate gecko (tuko!). I think when you are not secure about your presidential legacy, running for congress will do just fine.

Update: GMA is now congresswoman of Pampanga's 2nd district.