Arroyo's congressional bid legal, Comelec insists

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is not violating any law in her congressional bid for Pampanga's second district, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Monday. Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said Arroyo’s “advantage" in running for a local post while still in Malacañang does not make her candidacy illegal. “There is no legal impediment to the President’s seeking elective office other than the presidency once again," Jimenez told reporters. “Being in an advantaged position doesn’t make her candidacy illegitimate. She has an advantage, so what?" he added. Amid criticisms, President Arroyo announced her candidacy Monday through a taped message aired on Radio dzRB. She is expected to file her certificate of candidacy at the Comelec office in San Fernando, Pampanga, Tuesday morning. Administration critics said President Arroyo would just use the House of Representatives as a stepping stone to becoming prime minister once her allies in Congress succeed in amending the 1987 Constitution to change the form of government to parliamentary. Jimenez said unlike her Cabinet officials, President Arroyo does not need to resign from her post after filing her COC. “The law is very clear. An elected official, once he files a COC, can return to his position." He, however, refused to comment on whether or not President Arroyo's congressional bid is ethical. “Whether it’s ethical or not, that’s a decision the Comelec would not make," Jimenez said. Those who have qualms over President Arroyo's candidacy could file disqualification cases against her, Jimenez added. - KBK, GMANews.TV