Unopposed Gloria Macagapal-Arroyo proclaimed as Pampanga representative

Running unopposed, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo secures another term as Pampanga representative. File photo.

MANILA, Philippines — Former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has been proclaimed as representative of Pampanga’s second legislative district after she ran unopposed.

A statement from Arroyo’s office on Tuesday stated that Arroyo was proclaimed at around 2:30 p.m., after a ceremony at the provincial capitol’s new legislative building.

“Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was officially proclaimed as the representative of Pampanga’s second district this afternoon at around 2:30 PM, during a ceremony held at the new legislative building at the provincial capitol,” Arroyo’s office said.

Arroyo, who also used to be a House of Representatives Speaker, got over 227,000 votes according to the partial and unofficial results shown on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) transparency servers.

For Pampanga’s provincial race, the Pinedas are geared to complete a swap between the gubernatorial and vice gubernatorial posts.

Former Governor and incumbent Vice Governor Lilia Pineda currently leads by over 230,000 votes, while her son, incumbent Governor Dennis Pineda who ran for vice governor, leads by over 360,000 votes.

For other candidates in the congressional race, incumbent Pampanga 1st District Rep. Carmelo Lazatin II secures reelection as he is unopposed, while incumbent Pampanga 4th District Rep. Anna York Bondoc currently holds a lead of over 97,000 votes against Patrol party-list Rep. Jorge Bustos.

For the third district race, Lakas-CMD stalwart Mica Gonzales — daughter of Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. — leads by over 48,000 votes.