President Arroyo continues to receive words of encouragement from her allies in the House of Representatives to run either for vice-president or congresswoman.

Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez, who earlier broached the idea that Arroyo could run as vice-presidential runningmate of Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard bearer Gilbert Teodoro Jr., said there is no provision in the Constitution that explicitly bars her from seeking a lower elective post after her term expires in June next year.

“Nobody knows for sure if President Arroyo will seek another elective post but there is no legal impediment should she decide to run. She can participate in the 2010 elections,” he said.

Contrary to what critics say that Mrs. Arroyo’s alleged plan to run for a lower position is a “big blow to Philippine politics,” Suarez said the country stands to benefit should she decide to run and win the vice-presidential race.

Suarez said Mrs. Arroyo’s expertise and experience in running the government will further boost the chances of the next administration to succeed.

“The President did what she could for the country, even her detractors cannot deny that. She is highly qualified as Vice-President, or even as Speaker of the House of Representatives. Remember, she was Vice-President before,” Suarez said.

Camiguin Rep. Pedro Romualdo, chairman of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, said Mrs. Arroyo will make a very good and effective vice-president.

“The ultimate decision on what post to run rests on President Arroyo. She has proven her competence as Vice President during the Estrada administration,” Romualdo said.

Romualdo said it would be an interesting vice-presidential race if Mrs. Arroyo decides to run alongside Senators Mar Roxas and Loren Legarda.