MANILA, Philippines – It would be to the country’s advantage if President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo joins the election anew, this time for a seat in the House of Representatives, a Palace spokesman said Monday.

But Deputy presidential spokesperson Anthony Golez maintained that the President is playing her cards close to her chest.

“It’s something very personal on part of the President, kung ano ang desisyon niya, ano ang gagawin niya after her term (what her decision will be after she finishes her term),” Golez said in the Palace weekly news briefing aired live over government station “Radyo ng Bayan”.

He said Arroyo’s political plans have not been discussed during meetings as officials have remained focused on the tasks ahead.

Asked if the country will benefit if Arroyo runs for Congress, Golez said, “I think because of her experience as President, as a Vice President, as a former Senator, definitely, the country and everybody will benefit from her experience.”

Golez acknowledged that there is clamor for Arroyo not to leave politics, but he said that at the end of the day, it would be a personal decision from the President.

Reports have persisted that Arroyo is bent on seeking a seat in Pampanga’s second district, a post currently occupied by his eldest son, Representative Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo.

Arroyo has visited the province more than 30 times since February this year.

Golez, however, said he sees nothing wrong with this, noting that the President has to attend to her province mates, in the same manner she has visited other provinces. Arroyo will be in Lanao province on Tuesday, he said.