Would you consider it ethical for PGMA to run for Congress after her term as President?

Pedro Alagano Sr., Vigan City: Whether ethical or not, there’s no law prohibiting the same. She’s still young and as an elected congresswoman, she would be more an asset than a liability.

Rodolfo Talledo, Angeles City: It’s unethical because the sinister hidden motive is too obvious. Nonetheless, nobody can deny her the right to run if she wishes to.

It’s unethical

Ricardo Tolentino, Laoag City: It’s unethical because as President, GMA should bear in mind that the pinnacle of success for every politician is the presidency.

D. Floro, Quezon City: I consider it unethical for PGMA to run for Congress because many people want her to step down. I think that she should run in other provinces.

Lucas Banzon Madamba II, Laguna: It’s not ethical for Pres. GMA to run for Congress after her term as President because running for a Congressional seat in 2010 is tantamount to abandoning the presidency which she once held. It is not visually and ethically proper to go from the highest position to a lower position. If I were GMA, I would just return to the private sector and concentrate on being a private and ordinary person and just focus on having my own private business or enterprise.

Rey Ibalan, Antipolo City: It is truly unethical for PGMA to run for Congress considering her dismal accomplishment and governance as President.

Cris Rivera, Rizal: It’s unethical as it is unfair. My guess is that the intention is not to serve, but to wear, again, the cloak of immunity. But then it’s her right, as it is ours to do the same.

It’s ethical

Leandro Tolentino, Batangas City: Senators who returned to the Senate after losing their electoral bids weren’t bothered about ethics, so why should the President be?

Carlito Pajaro, Rizal: Yes, it’s ethical for PGMA to run for another office after her term. What I find unethical are senators who ran and lost but have the nerve to go back again.

Ethics doesn’t count in politics

Norberto Robles, Taguig: It’s hard to fix the limits on what’s ethical in politics. It isn’t hard, though, to read why Panlilio, Escudero, Binay, and Erap are spreading the rumor that PGMA is running for Congress.

C.B. Fundales, Bulacan: I don’t believe that other than the Constitution, ethics counts much in the political arena. PGMA can run for Congress as she isn’t barred by any law.

Jose Jumawan, Palawan: The law does not bar her from running, so what’s the beef about? PMGA does not even know the meaning of the word.

Ruel Bautista, Laguna: What ethics? What matters to PGMA or any politician today is survival! Wala na’ng hiya ang mga ‘yan.

Johann Lucas, Quezon City: Legally speaking, there is no hindrance, pero grabeng kapit-tuko naman siya. Iba talaga ang nagagawa ng pera at kapangyarihan. Tsk, tsk. Kapal din naman ng pagmumukha.

Jose Parco, Kalibo, Aklan: Looking at her administration, the word “ethical” simply does not exist at all; the word “profitable”, maybe. Now, if she runs for Congress with this kind of record, you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to figure it out!

Edgar Artates, Parañaque City: To consider it ethical or not is vague. Our politicians are deficient of ethics. They just do what they want.

Rey Doroja, Antipolo City: It’s not a problem for an unethical person, like the current president, to run for Congress. Except for the minority, she really belongs there.

Ed Ledesma, Iloilo City: No, it’s not ethical, but who cares about ethics these days?

Lorenzo Fernandez Jr., Cabanatuan City: Who cares about ethics nowadays? It’s her right to run for Congress and why should we always put words into her mouth? It’s better to mind one’s business.

Nothing wrong with it

Leandro Tolentino, Batangas City: There’s nothing taboo about it. Why would a desire to continue serving the people as a legislator and help sustain economic growth be unethical?

Renato Taylan, Ilocos Norte: To experience serving the Filipino people in two different capacities at two different periods will surely make PGMA complete. There is no question about that.

Eddie Yap, Kabankalan City: Why not? PGMA has as much right as anyone else to decide for herself. If she feels that she is still capable and strong enough to render service to her country, then by all means. If Madame Imelda, at 80, still aspires to become president after her husband was ousted from power, or if Erap can attempt a second try after his administration crumbled, why can’t PGMA do the same thing?

Dennis Montealto, Mandaluyong City: She can run if she wants to and that would be in 2013. There’s nothing wrong with running for senator or congressman after one’s term as President unless, the Constitution is changed.

Not everything that is legal is moral

Manuel Abejero, Pangasinan: Not everything that is legal is moral. What can we expect from a president who is now on self-preservation mode? She will not hesitate to hide herself.

Edwin Castillo, Tanauan City: Running for Congress is a sinister attempt at term extension. PGMA should step down in 2010 and be prepared to face legal suits.

Joe Nacilla, Las Piñas City: Whether or not it is ethical for GMA to run for Congress after her term as President is not the point. There are several doubts and questions to be answered. Is this not a sign of continued greed for money and power to ensure that we will not get our fair share? Is this not a hot insult to credulity? How can she win respect without greatness and love without goodness? How can she have confidence without conviction, strength without character and grace without humility? And finally, how will she correct and improve her poor rating as President?

Armando Tavera, Las Piñas City: She can still run for another position, yes. Ethical or not, the controversies and scandals under her term remain a stigma to her political career.

Why ask?

Ishmael Q. Calata, Parañaque City: In fairness to PGMA, please tell us if there is a law banning an ex-president from running for any position after his or her term in office. If not, why ask? What’s unethical about her running for Congress in her Pampanga district? I would accept this question if PGMA were to run for Congress before her term as president is over.

Where is her delicadeza?

Rose Leobrera, Manila: Kapit tuko. Kapal mukha naman if that will happen. A little delicadeza naman. Well, anyway, there is also money in there. Kesehodang ethics, basta money, no tanggi.

Rowena Remiendo, Metro Manila: Definitely. Where is her delicadeza if she runs for Congress after her term as president? Is she not content with having been in the top position?

Imee Aglibot, Rizal: PGMA may want the best for her province so that her delicadeza is wanting. Then again, ethics has been gone for so long, so what’s shocking about this? Still, going down this level is the height of impropriety.

C.K. Yeo, Iloilo City: If PGMA runs for Congress after her term as President, it couldn’t be for her desire to serve her cabalen; she had ample opportunities to do so during her 10-year term. It is more plausible that it is to protect herself from prosecution. Had she been popular as president and the people still want her, it would not have mattered. But three attempts were made to impeach Mrs. Arroyo; her survey ratings have consistently been negative. She and her family are also accused of corruption. It is not just unethical but immoral and running will surely show that she has no sense of delicadeza.

Julius Jaylo, Metro Manila: I find the intention unethical, though she is not restricted legally from running for Congress after being president. It only shows how greedy she is for power. Can’t she just have her graceful exit after the presidency and spare the country? Is delicadeza even out of her vocabulary and consideration?

Can anyone stop her?

Jose Fabello Jr., Cagayan de Oro City: It is more of a legal question rather than ethics. If she will, she is at her old game again, outwitting and dumbfounding the opposition to the very end.

L.C. Fiel, Quezon City: Ethical, morally correct, unethical, whatever, these don’t hold water anymore with PGMA. Whatever she wants, she gets. Can anything or anyone stop her?

Luisito Vallo, Pangasinan: The Constitution doesn’t bar her from seeking a seat in Congress, but propriety dictates how unethical it would be for her to do so. Still, she has the final say, doesn’t she?

Alexander Raquepo, Ilocos Sur: We are a democratic country and we are entitled to what we want to do as long as it is within the bounds of law. She can run if she wants if she believes she can do better as a congresswoman than as president.

Let the voting public decide

Lydia Reyes, Bataan: It’s her right, ethical or not. No one can go against it. Let the voting public decide if they want her as their congresswoman.

Ed Alawi, Davao City: We don’t know the values of PGMA. If power at any level in the political hierarchy is what PGMA desires, what can we do? Voters decide.

C.B. Manalastas, Manila: If PGMA wants to run for a congressional seat next year, let her. There is nothing illegal or immoral about that. Let the electorate decide her fate.

Jimmy Donton, Puerto Princesa City: It’s odd for PGMA to run for Congress, but it’s her right to seek an elective position provided this is allowed in the Philippine Constitution. She’s perceived to be very strong by her cabalen and it would be the people of Pampanga who would decide on her fate in 2010.

It’s greed for power

Ian Laput, Mandaluyong City: Such lustful desire for power is surely disturbing. I think the present President pretends not to hear the outcry and disgust of the many Filipinos who are fed up with her selfish antics to redeem herself against the issues hounding her. PGMA should not run for Congress.

Rudy Tagimacruz, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon: The propriety of PGMA’s decision to run for Congress after her term might be questionable because it might be construed as clinging on to political power.

William Gonzaga, Marikina City: People avidly expect that the 2010 polls will change the hopelessly corrupt regime of PGMA that has given us international disrepute. If her minions manage to perpetuate her stay in power through devious means, thereby frustrating our ardent desire for change, possible dire repercussions may range from violent rallies to balkanizing civil war. God forbid! For power-obsessed PGMA, ethics has no relevance in her drive to better Marcos’ reign. She will do anything to serve her purpose.

Merlino Quinsay, Ilocos Sur: Running for Congress may be her right but it also blatantly shows her lust for power.

Memong de Gregorio, Las Piñas City: It may not be illegal or unethical, but it is shameless and demeaning. It reflects a character that is obsessed with power or is in terrible fear of losing power because of the knowledge that she and her husband will be prosecuted. Good presidents retire after the presidency. Bad presidents want to hold on to power.

Chaley Lazaro Jr., Ilocos Norte:  It is highly unethical for PGMA to run for Congress. Having held the position as top governing official of the land is enough for her political career. There are too many options she can take to help her countrymen. Running for Congress would only mean that she is thirsty for political power. Once is enough. The best thing for her to do is to support and pave the way for young leaders to serve the country.

She must not remain in power

Benjamin Nillo, Las Piñas City: Ethical or not, PGMA should cease pursuing any elective position right after the expiration of her term in 2010.

Germi Sison, Cabanatuan City: Even if Pres. Arroyo still has an unfinished program up to the expiration of her term, moral ethics dictates that she must not remain in power through any position in the government. She will be setting a bad precedent for other unethical politicians to follow. She should leave it to the next administration to handle her unfinished programs. Whether they are taken as she would like it be, que sera, sera, whatever will be, will be.

She should retire and enjoy her life

Luis Bardillon, Paranaque, City: Maybe yes, maybe no. It may be ethical or unethical but the real question is: What are her real intentions that she refuses to retire and return to private life and live in peace? The wealth that she has, plus the pension she will receive, is more than enough for her to live comfortably even without working for the rest of her life. It’s every Filipino’s wish to reach retirement period and enjoy the fruits of his labor.

J.R. Mondonedo Jr., Parañaque City: If it’s not against the law, then let PGMA do what she wants. But if I werei in her place, I would just retire, sit back, and enjoy life with my family and grandchildren. She already reached the highest position in office, so why bother? I’m sure she has enough money to enjoy her life. Life is too short. She should enjoy it while keeping a good relationship with God.

She is dodging future cases

Edwin Monares, Rizal: Absolutely not. If ever she runs for Congress in 2010, it will bolster the speculation that she is desperate to avoid cases that will be filed against her. Furthermore, it will showcase to the whole world how power-hungry she is.

James Gaw, Quezon City: No, I think the reason she will run for Congress is to continue to gain immunity from the various cases that will be filed against her.

Elpidio Que, Vigan City: For PGMA to run for Congress after her dubious term as President is not only unethical but shameless as well. People know that such a move is her last recourse should her hacks’ ConAss fail. It is the Plan B, probably to escape from administrative and criminal charges when she is unglued from her presidential seat.

Col. Ben Paguirigan Jr., Ret., Zamboanga City: Ethical or not, PGMA’s intent to run for Congress is a deliberate attempt to prolong her stay in Malacañang and avoid possible criminal cases.

Lolong Rejano, Marinduque: I would say that it’s a combination of greed for power and kapalmuks. The record-breaking scandals and controversies of her administration are manifestations that PGMA will be facing legal process in court after she relinquishes her power. Maliwanag naman sa lahat na kaya tatakbo si Gng. Arroyo sa kongreso ay dahil sa pangamba sa kasong pandarambong na haharapin niya at ng kanyang pamilya. She will become the second president to be sent to jail after Erap, if we are ready to sacrifice our vote to a righteous presidentiable in 2010.

She wants to become Prime Minister

Fortunato Aguirre, Bulacan: If her purpose is to serve and represent her cabalen, her quest is noble. But if she is aiming to become prime minister, I would say that she is really abominable.

Ella Arenas, Pangasinan: The demotion will be funny, unless, of course, she is eyeing the position of prime minister.

Jim Veneracion, Naga City: It’s not a question of ethics, but would she aspire being demoted with just a P70-million pork barrel? Her incentive is to become prime minister.

Why would she go for a demotion?

Rey Onate, Palayan City: She is an intelligent person who, I assume, possesses a character that is above board. She reached the highest level of leadership and she will honor the position and herself by not running for a lower position.

J-Dub Wenceslao, Quezon City: The way I see it, it’s a major demotion. However, with the persistent clamor from Malacañang regarding Con-ass, it’s simply one step backward, then two steps forward. Clever, but not quite.

Dennis Acop, Baguio City: Why would anybody want to run for Congress after becoming President? Does this make sense? It would, only if there is a hidden agenda. First, running for Congress from the presidency is a demotion. Second, the move is unprecedented and is suspect, to say the least. Is GMA avoiding possible lawsuits? Is she out to sustain the perks and privileges of public office to survive the political arena? Are there personal business interests to protect? Third, it is a move that is so indifferent of public opinion – something that has characterized the Arroyo administration almost since day one.

Shameless

Nony de Leon, Bulacan: If in 2010, PGMA should run for a post other than the presidency, it would not be unethical or illegal. It might, however, be unpopular.

I’m more worried about Charter change

Robert Young Jr., San Juan: I’m not concerned so much about the President running for another position after her term. I fear more about Charter change that allows any representative with enough clout and money to become Prime Minister. In order to satisfy their thirst for money and power, the Prime Minister and members of the Parliament will be in the business of plundering the nation. Our present system may not be perfect, but it provides some check and balance. Heads of state should retire and become statesmen after their term; they have reached the zenith of their political life. PGMA is rumored to run as representative to shield herself from corruption cases that will be filed against her. I leave the question of ethics to my co-Inbox senders.

More unethical if Erap runs for president

Rico Fabello, Parañaque City: PGMA has done good. I will let her be. What I consider unethical is for Erap to run for President again. It would be mind-boggling if anyone voted for him again.

Carlito Pajaro, Rizal: After PGMA, there will be chaos, hardship, disunity and vengeance once an opposition member becomes president, especially if it is Estrada. God save our country.

Views expressed in this section do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The STAR. The STAR does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of readers exercising their right to free expression. The publication also reserves the right to edit contributions to this section as it sees fit.

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