Mikey takes leadership pointers from Mom

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Presidential son Juan Miguel "Mikey" Arroyo was officially sworn into office last Saturday as this province’s vice governor "taking the cue from my Mom to lead by example."

In his speech during the mass oath-taking of winners in the local elections at the Bren Z. Guiao Sports Center here, Mikey vowed to "work hard" to improve the local economy and peace and order, as well as for higher moral standards and change in "the character of politics."

For his part, Gov. Lito Lapid, who is on his third and last term as governor, identified the clearing of lahar-clogged waterways that lead to worsening floodings in this province, and the full operation of the Clark International Airport as his major concerns before leaving his post.

"I am humbled and honored by your overwhelming mandate," Mikey said.

Mikey was closely secured by members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) who kept no farther than five feet away from him as he shook hands with well-wishers inside the sports center where hundreds of newly-elected local officials had gathered in formal attire for the mass oath-taking ceremonies officiated by Sen. Loren Legarda.

"I think Mikey’s security men are overreacting. It seems they are under the impression that all those inside the sports center are suspects," said one official who asked not to be identified.

All the guests were searched and their cameras and other electronic devices inspected and tagged with a PSG sticker at the entrance. — Ding Cervantes