Mikey returns to work

Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel "Mikey" Arroyo ended his leave from congressional duties yesterday by reporting back to work at the House of Representatives in Quezon City.

In a statement, the controversial presidential son said he ended his five-month leave so he could participate in deliberations on the proposed P1-trillion 2006 national budget "on behalf of my constituents."

He said he would like to ensure "that there would be enough development projects" for his district.

He began his leave last June 14 in the wake of accusations that the Arroyos were beneficiaries of jueteng money. They have denied the charges.

In particular, at least one Senate jueteng witness, Sandra Cam, claimed to have delivered illegal gambling money to the presidential son and his uncle, Negros Occidental Rep. Jose Ignacio "Iggy" Arroyo, at their House offices in Quezon City. Both denied Cam’s allegations and have filed libel charges against her.

The Pampanga congressman went on voluntary exile to San Francisco, California with his equally controversial father, First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo. But he returned way ahead of his father, who returned just before All Saints’ Day.

The presidential son said while he was on leave, he had been closely monitoring the needs of his constituents and projects in his district "via frequent follow-up by his staff and personal visits."

"I am grateful for the support of our Pampanga local officials who helped ensure that we could perform our duties in our district during my official leave. I also thank my constituents who continue to express their love and support, and my colleagues who have been with us in these past months," he said.

At the same time, the younger Arroyo urged the nation’s leaders to unite behind a "strong development agenda" for the country that he said should "benefit the people in terms of more jobs, economic opportunities and improved basic services."

"It’s time for us to get back to work and do what taxpayers have voted us into office for, which is to pass constructive legislation for the benefit of all Filipinos. Those who are one with me in this effort will always have my friendship and support," the neophyte politician and part-time moviee actor said.