'No impediment in GMA running in 2013'

MANILA, Philippines - There is no legal impediment to former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s bid to seek reelection or any local post in Pampanga, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said yesterday.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said Arroyo could run because she has not been convicted of any crime.

“I don’t think there is a restriction because the cases are still pending,” Jimenez said.

“If she is still a registered voter there, and I think her registration is active, then I don’t see any problem. It is still her residence,” he added.

Article IX Section 64 of the Omnibus Election Code states that “no person shall be elected member of the Batasang Pambansa as provincial, city or district representatives unless he is a resident thereof for a period of not less than six months immediately preceding the day of the election.”

Arroyo’s key ally, House Minority Leader and Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez, earlier said that the former president is likely to seek reelection despite her frail health.