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David vs 'Gloriath' Arroyo?


MANILA, Philippines - Will renowned sociology professor Randy David defeat seasoned politician and former economics professor President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in the 2010 congressional race? President Arroyo's six-year term ends next year and the 1987 Constitution bars her from seeking another term, but some of her allies have hinted that she can legally run for Congress in her home province of Pampanga. Key opposition figures suspect this is part of the President’s ploy to stay in power. They also believe that she has given her tacit approval to allies to have the Charter changed to a parliamentary form of government, under which she could be installed prime minister. Last month, her House allies passed a resolution calling for the convening of a constituent assembly to amend the Constitution even without the participation of the opposition-dominated Senate. Although the people of Pampanga have yet to hear it directly from her, Mrs. Arroyo's frequent visits to her hometown in Lubao have raised speculations she is preparing for her House bid. Her son, Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel 'Mikey' Arroyo, had said he is willing to give way to his mother and run as provincial governor instead. If this happens, Mrs. Arroyo will likely be unchallenged. On Thursday, David said he would seriously consider running against Mrs. Arroyo if she would seek a House seat in Pampanga's second district. "Nakakahiya naman yata ang mga Kapampangan kung walang ni isang hahamon, tatayo at hahadlang sa kanyang mga balakin [It would be a shame for the Kapampangans if no one would challenge, stand up and block Mrs Arroyo's plans]," David said in an interview with GMA News. Mrs Arroyo taught economics in the University of the Philippines and the Ateneo de Manila University. She chaired the Economics Department at the Assumption College before she joined the government in 1987 as Trade and Industry assistant secretary under then-President Corazon Aquino. Her would-be opponent, David, has been a professor at the University of the Philippines teaching courses in general sociology, sociological theory, political sociology, and the sociology of development since 1967. He obtained his degree in the same university in 1965. An article posted on the Web site of University of the Philippines-Mindanao said David was supposed to pursue doctoral studies at the University of Manchester during martial law but chose instead to remain in the Philippines. He was appointed faculty regent in 1999. In 2007, he was named as one of UP's Centennial Fellows in recognition of his scholarship and valuable contribution to Philippine sociology and social awareness in the Philippines. Aside from his academic work, David is also a media personality. In 1986, he hosted the talk show “Public Forum" on IBC 13. It was the only talk show conducted in Filipino at that time. Later, he joined the Associated Broadcasting Company as a newscaster and also hosted a talk show, “Public Life with Randy David." He joined GMA Network in 1995 and hosted “Public Life" until 1998. After that, he hosted the show “Off the Record" with Katrina Legarda in ABS-CBN, which lasted until 2003. He currently writes a weekly column in the Philippine Daily Inquirer. A staunch critic of the Arroyo administration, David was arrested on February 25, 2006 while leading a protest march to mark the 20th anniversary of People Power 1. Mrs. Arroyo declared a state of national emergency the same day, allegedly to put down a military-instigated power grab. The Supreme Court later ruled that the arrest was invalid. David is married to former chairperson of the Civil Service Commission Karina Constantino-David. - GMANews.TV
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