Arroyo celebrates birthday in Pampanga hometown

On her last birthday as the country's chief executive, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Monday heard Mass in her hometown of Lubao in Pampanga, where she is running for congresswoman in the province's second district. Radio dzBB’s Nimfa Ravelo reported that Mrs. Arroyo greeted her 63rd birthday at the San Agustin Church, where she was joined by supporters. Also with her were Vice President Noli de Castro, Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza, presidential adviser for Mindanao Affairs Jesus Dureza, Press Sec. Crispulo Icban Jr., and other Cabinet officials including Health Sec. Esperanza Cabral and Labor Sec. Marianito Roque. Lubao is part of Pampanga’s second district, where Mrs. Arroyo is seeking a new elective post as member of the House of Representatives. Administration critics allege that the move is part of her intention to perpetuate herself in power by seeking the position of Prime Minister if charter change proposals in the Congress succeed in making the shift from the presidential to a parliamentary form of government. Mrs. Arroyo's nine-year presidency has been rocked by allegations of corruption, which have been repeatedly defended by Malacañang. All the impeachment complaints against her have not prospered. - SD/YA, GMANews.TV