Arroyo's son to run for Pampanga vice governor

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga - Vice presidential son Mickey Macapagal-Arroyo marked his 31st birthday here yesterday with a declaration that he would run for this province's vice governor in next year's elections.

Mickey, the eldest son of lawyer Miguel Arroyo and Vice President Gloria Macapa-gal-Arroyo, admitted in a telephone interview that he would seek the vice gubernatorial post probably under the Lakas-NUCD to which his mother belongs.

This means he is likely to be the running mate of Gov. Lito Lapid who also declared recently that he would seek a third and last term as governor.

Mickey made the confirmation after Baco-lor Mayor Ananias Canlas cited "ground-swell support of Pampanga folk" for his candidacy.

"The people themselves are pressing for his candidacy," said Canlas during a program over local radio station dwRW-FM where Mickey was also a guest.

Mickey, who is still a bachelor, said he has consulted his mother about his political plans.

"I tell her everything, including what I am doing here (in Pampanga) and the people who are pushing for my candidacy," he said.

While some local leaders have reportedly urged him to run for either governor or congressman, Mickey said he is opting to run for a lower post since he is just starting in politics.

"Huwag muna bida. Nagsisimula pa lang ako (Not yet the leading role. I'm just starting out)," he said.

Mickey said he has the blessings of the Vice President who has advised him: "Huwag lang patapik-tapik. Kailangan ang substance (Don't just pat people, you need substance)."

He said that when her mother ran for vice president, she pointed out that political popularity was based on "approachability, integrity and confidence."

"My Mom's biggest asset when she entered politics was the integrity of her father (former President Diosdado Macapagal). Now I have her as a major asset," he said. The Vice President has consistently rated high in popularity surveys.

Mickey spent his birthday at the Bulaon resettlement here to help in the "supplemental feeding" program for children of lahar-displaced families.

He also handed out a P200,000 check from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the construction of a senior citizens' center at Bulaon, and turned over wheelchairs to two physically disabled children.

Canlas said Mickey was responsible for the earlier release of some P3.1 million from the DSWD for the housing needs of lahar victims at the Ayala resettlement in Magalang town.