By Francis Allan L. Angelo

THE decision of President Gloria Arroyo to run for representative of the 2nd congressional district of Pampanga in the 2010 election does not demean her status and the Office of the President.

Former Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Raul M. Gonzalez Sr. said President Arroyo did not degrade her present position by bidding to serve her constituents in Pampanga.

Critics of the Arroyo administration said the President should quit politics having served as the highest official of the land for nine years already. Her decision will debase the Office of the President as an institution.

“Service is never demeaning. The President’s decision to run for Congress is part of her desire to serve her own people in Pampanga. And there is no law barring her from running for any office except the presidency,” Gonzalez said.

When asked if President Arroyo is just seeking immunity from possible suits due to various high-profile anomalies hounding her administration by running for congresswoman, Gonzalez said the immunity only applies on actions and deliberations during sessions.

“The immunity also applies to crimes punishable by imprisonment of less than six years. There have been several congressmen who were convicted of crimes filed against them,” he added.

As regards President Arroyo becoming House Speaker, Gonzalez said it depends on the House of Representatives.

“She is very much qualified (to become House Speaker). The President is the most qualified and well-informed president that we had. Only that she does not get the credit for what she has done,” he added.

President Arroyo personally filed her certificate of candidacy in Pampanga Tuesday morning.

Gonzalez said the decision of ousted president and convicted plunderer Joseph Estrada to seek the presidency is more immoral.

“It is more ignoble as he already knows that he is disqualified under the Constitution,” Gonzalez said.