2 House leaders chide David over GMA candidacy

TWO high-ranking House leaders yesterday appealed to columnist Randy David to just lay his platforms of governance in the second district of Pampanga instead of guarding the reported plan of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to run for Congress in next year’s elections.
   
In separate text messages, House Deputy Speaker for Mindanao and Maguindanao Rep.  Simeon Datumanong and Cebu Rep.  Antonio Cuenco said the candidates in 2010 elections must plan their programs that would help the people.
  
Datumanong, a former secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ), has took exception to David’s statement that President Arroyo, who frequently visits the second district of Pampanga, is targeting the speakership to wield the weapon of impeachment as leverage vis-a-vis the next president.
  
“That is mere speculation coupled with ill-will against PGMA, projecting her to be vindictive,” said Datumanong, vice chairman of the House committee on justice, on David’s continued warning that he will run against President Arroyo if the latter decides to run for Congress.
  
For his part, Cuenco, chairman of the House committee on foreign affairs, described David’s statement as “wild, reckless and baseless conjecture.”
  
On Saturday, Gabriela Rep.  Liza Maza belied claims of the administration about the supposed public clamor for President Arroyo to run for Congress.
  
Maza also warned the public to be more vigilant against all forms of fraud and violence and combat any scheme  designed to serve the vested interests of those in power.
  
David has warned the public that Malacañang will ensure the victory of many congressmen under its control to boost the chances of President Arroyo to be the next Speaker of 15th Congress.
  
It will be recalled that mayors of Pampanga’s second district have declared support for President Arroyo to run for Congress.