Palace mum on Pampanga house TJ Burgonio Philippine Daily Inquirer
November 05, 2009
MANILA, Philippines—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's spokespersons have turned mute not only over her political plans but also about the ownership of a house in Lubao, Pampanga, that has further fueled speculation she is bent on running for Congress representing the district where the house is located.
"It's true that when she is in Lubao, she sometimes stays in that house,'' was all Lorelei Fajardo, one of the President’s spokespersons, would tell reporters at a news briefing.
Fajardo refused to answer further questions about the 400-square-meter single-story house, saying they would best be answered by Arroyo's lawyer, Ruy Rondain. Rondain, however, could not be reached for comment.
Neighbors and even the security guard at the house with high walls and framed by palm trees in Barangay San Nicolas 1 said it belonged to the President.
Ms Arroyo has been making almost weekly forays into Lubao and nearby areas to inspect and inaugurate various projects.
This fueled talk she would seek the second district seat currently occupied by her elder son, Representative Juan Miguel "Mikey" Arroyo, in order to retain some hold on power after her term as President ends in June 2010.
On Thursday, Fajardo also skirted questions about the President’s political plans and referred the media to her election lawyer, Romulo Macalintal.
"We have to refer to Macalintal. We refuse to comment regarding political plans,'' Fajardo said.
"It's too personal. We've not discussed anything about that. It's very hard to second-guess,'' she added, when asked when Arroyo would come clean about her plans.
