The House of Representatives has set for second reading approval a bill that may provide a resolution to the controversy surrounding whether or not President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo could remain in Malacañang or resign once she files her certificate of candidacy for the congressional race in Pampanga.

The House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms has formally endorsed House Bill No. 5003 for immediate plenary approval. However, the bill remained pending since it was sent by the House panel for plenary action on August 28.

Once enacted HB 5003 could provide the answer to the legal controversy of Arroyo continuing to serve the remainder of her term as president despite joining the congressional race in 2010.

Critics of the president demanded that she hand over power once her CoC is filed, pointing out that this would level the playing field in the congressional race in her home province in Pampanga.

Meanwhile, Camiguin Rep. Pedro Romualdo, a member of the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD, insisted that there is nothing illegal or immoral about the President’s possible congressional bid.

“Her critics should stop overreacting because the President is very much qualified to run for Congress,” Romualdo said, as he cited two reasons why Mrs. Arroyo can seek a lower elective post.

“The Constitution bars her from a second term as President. Secondly, she is physically, mentally and morally capable of continuing her service to the country, especially to the people of the second district of Pampanga if she runs for Congress,” he said.

The chairman of the House committee on good government and public accountability said the clamor of Pampanga mayors for Mrs. Arroyo to join the congressional race is a testament not only to her popularity in her district but to the genuine service she has done for her province mates.

He said the decision on whether Mrs. Arroyo will run for Congress next year rests exclusively with her.

“It’s not for critics to decide on the President’s political plan. The final decision rests on the President, and let voters in her district decide her fate if ever she decides to run,” Romualdo said.

Isabela Rep. Rodolfo “Rodito” Albano III, also of Lakas-Kampi-CMD, said the President’s detractors are only showing how insecure they are with their vicious attacks against her alleged plan to run for Congress.

“They know the President will win hands down because she has the support and respect of her cabalen. The President’s victory in the second district of Pampanga is inevitable once she ultimately decides to run,” Albano said.

Meanwhile a Palace official said Filipinos can benefit from President Arroyo’s vast work experience if ever she decides to seek an elective post next year.

Deputy Presidential Spokesman Anthony Golez said the President, a US-educated economist, has shown her mettle in public service not only as Chief Executive but also as former vice president and senator.

Golez, however, made clear the President has remained tight-lipped about her political plans when she steps down from office next year despite a clamor from her town mates in Pampanga to run for Congress.

“I think because of her experience as the President, as vice president, as a former senator, definitely the country and everybody will benefit from her experience,” Golez told reporters in the Palace, when asked if the country will benefit if the President pursues a congressional bid next year.

Golez said the President, like other public servants "who effectively work and dispose of their duties," would do the country well. “Not only the President, there are different candidates who will try to extend their energies to help and support this government, to protect the constitution,” he added.

So far, only the President knows the real score on whether she will seek an elective position in the 2010 elections, according to Golez.