GMA

CANDABA, Pampanga, Philippines – Local officials, friends and provincemates (cabalens) of former President and now 2nd District Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Wednesday appealed to her critics for a moratorium as they united in offering a “Prayer Mass” throughout the province for her successful surgery operation. Mayors’ League of Pampanga-president and Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo, in a telephone interview Wednesday, said that all local officials and her “cabalens” held masses for the former President in all churches in the province. Pelayo appealed for a moratorium from Mrs. Arroyo’s critics at least until she is fully recovered. “Kung may mga kaso man na isinampa laban sa dating pangulo kung pwede huwag munang pag-usapan at hayaan muna nating gumaling siya sa kanyang sakit,” Pelayo said. He said the Prayer Mass was also initiated by Pampanga local folks to show their support and care for Mrs. Arroyo. Last Tuesday, doctors of Mrs. Arroyo announced that she will undergo a risky surgery for her pinched nerve to prevent possible paralysis. The medical bulletin of St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig said that Mrs. Arroyo is undergoing pre-operation procedures for “multi-level cervical spondylosis radiculopathy with kyphosis


or commonly known as pinched nerve, anytime this week. As this developed, Raul Lambino, legal spokesperson of Mrs. Arroyo, claimed that her critics find her as a most convenient “punching bag” and cover for the lackluster and low performance of the present administration. Enough of negativism, Lambino, said, quoting President’s Benigno S. Aquino III. In a media forum held Wednesday, Lambino said President Aquino should drop his “campaign mode” as “it is not a substitute for good governance.” He dared the government to show proof that Mrs. Arroyo mismanaged the country in the past nine years. Lambino accused the government of using Mrs. Arroyo to prop up President Aquino’s popularity.

GMA