GMA’s sister to run against Mikey in Pampanga congressional race?

LUBAO, Pampanga — Former Pampanga Vice Governor Cielo Macapagal-Salgado, elder half-sister of President Arroyo, will reportedly run against his nephew, incumbent Vice Governor Mikey Arroyo in the congressional race in the province’s second district, Edgardo Margarejo, who identified himself as a long-time close friend of the Macapagal family, told The STAR yesterday.

Margarejo was reached by The STAR via the cellular phone of Salgado, who was not available for comment as of 5 p.m. yesterday.

"She is going to Pampanga before the 12 midnight deadline imposed by the Commission on Election (Comelec) for the filing of candidacies," Margarejo said.

He disclosed that Salgado was bent on seeking the congressional seat, which was reportedly eyed earlier by her brother Arturo.

Salgado and Arturo are children of the late President Diosdado Macapagal by his first wife. After he was widowed, the former president married Eva Macaraig, mother of Mrs. Arroyo and her younger brother Diosdado Jr.

"Arturo backed out of his plans (to run for congressman against Mikey) probably for peace in the family. But then peace in the family should come second only to the welfare of the people in the second district of Pampanga," Margarejo said.

"The way I look at it, she is bent on running," he added.

He stressed that Salgado and her supporters "are after the welfare of the people in the second district."

"They ought to have a choice," he said.

Salgado had been Pampanga’s vice governor during the term of the late Governor Bren Guiao (from 1987 to 1992). She was a member of the board of directors of the Philippine National Bank (PNB) during the Estrada administration but left the post when Mrs. Arroyo ascended to power.