Philippine President Wants to Become Congresswoman

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Files Candidacy for Congressional Seat

"I will be firmly in control of our national government until the last day I am in office... Konting-konting panahon lamang ang gagamitin ko sa kampanya para sa Kongreso," she said. (I will only use very little time in my campaign for my Congressional bid.)

Under Philippine laws, members of the Cabinet, the military and the police, among others, are deemed resigned once they file their candidacy for elective positions.

The Constitution, drafted after the Marcos dictatorial rule, also states that no Philippine President is allowed to seek any re-election, a provision that is interpreted in various ways even by prominent members of the bar./END