Filtered By: Topstories
News

3 days before campaign period, Arroyo distributes PCs in Pampanga


Three days before the start of the official campaign period for the May polls, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo distributed on Saturday 500 computer units in her home province of Pampanga, where she is running for a Congressional seat. Government-run dzRB radio reported Mrs. Arroyo also spoke before an audience while giving away the computers at the Porac Model Community High School. According to the report, the computers were intended for students in Bacolor, Sta. Rita, Sasmuan, Floridablanca, Guagua, Porac, and Lubao towns. President Arroyo is from Lubao. P4 million worth In her speech, the President said the computers would benefit mostly high school students in the province's second district, which she will represent in the House should she win in May. A Malacañang statement said the computers, worth P4 million, were donated by private firms Hyundai Securities Bond Company (HSBC) and Philuncast Development Company (PUDC). "HSBC is one of the biggest investment companies of the Hyundai Group. The company invested funds with PUDC for the development of Villa Aveche, a housing project for Korean and Filipino retirees in Barangay Manibaug, Porac, Pampanga," the Palace statement said. Only one week ago, Mrs. Arroyo turned over charcoal-making machines to towns in her home province of Pampanga. During her visit to her hometown of Lubao last Jan. 30, Mrs. Arroyo claimed the machines were part of her efforts at solid waste management. Pushing for Congress Mrs. Arroyo is running for congresswoman in the second district of Pampanga. Her critics claim this is a ploy to stay in power after she steps down on June 30, saying her allies can push for a shift to a parliamentary form of government, under which Mrs. Arroyo can run for Prime Minister. Based on the Commission on Elections calendar of activities, official campaign period for nationally elected posts [President, Vice President, senators and party-list representatives] will be on February 9. For local posts [House representatives down to municipal posts] will be on March 26. All campaigns would end on May 8. - LBG/TJD, GMANews.TV

LOADING CONTENT