INQUIRER.net Eleksyon 2007

Arroyo needed in parliament, says Gonzales

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Christian V. Esguerra

MANILA, Philippines—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s national security adviser on Sunday said she would be needed in a Philippine parliament, but cautioned her against seeking a post under the present structure of Congress.

“She being a future ex-President, her wisdom and experience will be needed in our parliament,” Norberto Gonzales told the Philippine Daily Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net).

“But if she asked me, I would discourage her from running. Our present Congress is not designed as a parliament. It does not fit her stature.”

Gonzales warned that Ms Arroyo would only subject herself to “mudslinging” if she ran and won as a district representative.

Ms Arroyo’s allies in her home province of Pampanga have welcomed the idea of her running for a congressional seat.

But critics believe Ms Arroyo is exploring the possibility only to escape prosecution after she steps down in 2010.

Malacañang has consistently denied that Ms Arroyo is seeking a term extension and of any knowledge of her political plans after her term expires.

Gonzales said he had not heard anything from Ms Arroyo about her running for Congress.

He said the priority now should be how to effect “systemic and fundamental changes that would really address the problems of the country.”

“All this talk about the President running is silly,” he said. “It’s not addressing the root of our problems. The problem is so serious yet some people are talking about the President running for Congress.”

In a parliamentary government, Gonzales said it would be no surprise for former presidents to be part of it.

Gonzales, also the head of the Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas, said his primary concern was the establishment of a “transitional government.”

“Judging from our present crop of ‘presidentiables,’ we will just have more of the same elite and bad politics in 2010,” he said in a separate statement.

“The call of the time is for the three major branches of government, supported by key pillars of our society like the Churches, civil society and mass movements, to agree to a transitional government respected by the Armed Forces.”

Gonzales did not elaborate.

Sought for comment, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde disowned Gonzales’ call, saying Malacañang had “nothing to do with it.”

Gonzales’ colleagues in Malacañang had once censured him for advocating a transition government. He was told to stick to his turf, and leave politics to other Cabinet members.

“My turf is the nation,” Gonzales said. “I think I will be disturbed only if responsible elements of society are the ones who will say I should shut up.”

Gonzales said he had not discussed his proposal with Ms Arroyo because he preferred to “reach the people directly.”

He said he was sharing the observation of Chief Justice Reynato Puno that the country was “like a social volcano about to erupt.”

“It is time we put an end to our recurring political crisis by really pursuing societal transformation. A transition government now can start this undertaking,” he said.

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