FVR to Arroyo: Resign, level playing field in 2010 elections

Step down to level the playing field. Former President Fidel V. Ramos on Wednesday told President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to resign from her post as she pursues a House of Representatives seat in next year’s election. At a press conference at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Ramos said that while there is no legal impediment to Mrs. Arroyo’s congressional bid, her position as President gives her undue advantage in her forthcoming electoral campaign in Pampanga’s second district, the same report added. "My understanding of that particular aspect of governance is that as president, you must resign your position," he said.

Last July, Ramos said those in power should step down in time. He made the statement amid speculations that time that President Arroyo was attempting to perpetuate herself in power by compelling her allies at the House of Representatives to amend the 1987 Constitution. The move could pave the way for a shift to a parliamentary form of government where Mrs. Arroyo could have a chance to be elected prime minister. At the news conference, Ramos likewise questioned Mrs. Arroyo’s more than 50 visits to Pampanga this year. "Why did she have to spend so much time (in Pampanga) instead of making 50 trips to Mindanao to ensure the peace and tranquility of those communities and to put in place feudal warlords," Ramos said. Palace retorts But President Arroyo's political spokesperson Romulo Macalintal said Malacañang would not give in to Ramos's call. "Wala namang le-leveling the playing field e, wala namang kalaban ang Pangulong Arroyo (There is no field to be leveled, President Arroyo has no opponent there)," he told GMANews.TV over the phone, adding that Mrs. Arroyo " has no serious political rival" in her district. "I'm sorry to disappoint the former president but President Arroyo will not give in to his request," Macalintal added, even as he said the Palace respects Ramos’ views. No prominent political candidate has filed a certificate of candidacy to challenge Mrs. Arroyo in the district. Only engineer Feliciano Serrano, architect Adonis Simpao, and a certain Filipinas Sampang have so far filed their COCs for the same position Mrs. Arroyo is eyeing. Macalintal also said there was "no basis" to Ramos' criticism of her frequent trips to Pampanga, pointing out that Mrs. Arroyo had also gone to Mindanao and other locations several times. Not fair This is not the first time that Ramos called on Mrs. Arroyo to relinquish her post if she is to pursue another elective post come the 2010 polls. At a convention in Pasay City on November 23, Ramos said it would be unfair if Mrs. Arroyo runs for congresswoman while retaining her post. "Eh hindi ka umalis pagkatapos tatakbo ka dito sa 2nd district of Pampanga, ito ang kalaban mo. Aba’y hindi yata patas yun, hindi democratic 'yan di ba," Ramos said then. "You have the power of appointments, you are the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces and the PNP (Philippine National Police), you are the controller of the budget, you are the President, you are the head of the state of government," he added. At the time, Mrs. Arroyo had not yet announced her electoral bid. - Sophia Dedace, Jam Sisante, Amita Legaspi, LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV