President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo announced on Monday that she would run for congresswoman of the 2nd District of Pampanga in next year’s national elections.

“Yes, I will file my certificate of candidacy (CoC),” the President said in a recorded interview with a government radio station DZRB.

In a press statement, Mrs. Arroyo clarified she would still be the country’s President and would only allot a short period of time for her campaign.

“I will be firmly in control of our national government until the last day I am in office,” the president said.

“As President, my first commitment is to the nation we all love. My bid for Congress will be spirited but secondary to my duties as President,” she added.

“After much contemplation, I realize that I am not ready to step down completely from public service,” she said.

The President is expected to make a formal announcement of her candidacy when she visits Lubao, Pampanga Tuesday, Dec. 1.

The President’s son, incumbent 2nd District Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Macapagal Arroyo, earlier said he is willing to give way in case her mother decided to run for congresswoman.