When President Arroyo bows out of office next year, will she be Citizen Gloria or Congresswoman Gloria?

Sunday, Malacañang continued to have a hard time answering the burning question, with two days left in the filing of certificate of candidacies.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said President Arroyo is still tight-lipped about her political plans in 2010 although she appreciates the clamor from her supporters to join the congressional race in Pampanga.

Remonde said he believes the President, who has kept the nation guessing over her plans after 2010, would remain "an asset to public service" regardless of the path she takes when her tenure is up next year.

“The answer to that question will be speculative until such time the President makes known her decision,” Remonde said in a media briefing aired over government radio, when asked if the nation would be better off with a Citizen Gloria or a Congresswoman Arroyo.

“Nevertheless we have seen that whatever capacity she will choose herself to be after the elections whether just as Citizen Gloria, Vice President Gloria, Senator Gloria or Congresswoman Gloria, she will always be an asset to public service,” he added.

If she decides to run for congresswoman in the second district of Pampanga, Remonde even dropped hints that she may pursue constitutional reforms, saying Charter change “will always be with us and among us.” Remonde however said it was prudent to wait for the President's decision whether she will retire from or stay in politics.

President Arroyo is rumored to seek a congressional post in Pampanga in next year’s elections following her frequent visits in her home province in recent months. Palace aides were mum if the President's latest makeover, including a new hairstyle, was part of her electoral preparations.