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MANILA - Many Filipinos on micro-blogging site Twitter criticized President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's plan to run for the 2nd district of Pampanga in 2010.

Twitter users who sent their reactions via ANC's twitter account (@ANCAlerts) alleged that Arroyo's political plans speaks of her greed and lack of "delicadeza" or decency.

Aside from expletives, Twitter users called the Philippine president "shameless", "indecent", and "addicted to power."

"It just shows that power tend[s] to be addictive. She does not want to let go, it's not public service but self greediness," said a user named Mammothee.

Other users also pointed out that Arroyo can "still serve the country outside politics." "[There are] so many ways to do public service. No need to be in the position. She's 'hayok' (greedy) for power," said user rengmiranda.

Mistrust

Some users also called her a liar, since Arroyo had promised several times that she would "step down" as president of the country. She has been president since 2001.

In 2002, Arroyo declared that she would not run in the 2004 polls, but she ran and won as president, later prompting allegations that she had the elections rigged.

In her State of the Nation Address this year, Arroyo promised she would step down as president. Her critics wryly pointed out that she had not specified whether she would run for another elective post.

"She has shown her true colors. She has no shame. I hope for her humiliating defeat," said a user named ginoongabendan.

Suspicious

Other "tweets" were less irate, however, but still showed suspicion about Arroyo's plan.

"Her plan is to control Congress so if Noynoy [or presidential candidate Sen. Benigno Aquino III] wins he'd 'go slow' on her or she'd give him [a] hard time," said a user named FlyingVoter.

Trixie Angeles, meanwhie, said Arroyo would be continuing a long-drawn out political dynasty.

Suspicion also ran high among Twitter users that Arroyo would continue her plan for Constitutional Change (or a switch to a parliamentary form of government) in Congress.

"If she wins, nobody let the gov[ernment] switch to parliamentary, please," said user kalsangikid.

Only one user, named ferdieble, said voters should give Arroyo the benefit of the doubt. However, the user expressed hope that Arroyo would not run.

Facebook

Facebook users also voiced their outrage over Arroyo's Congressional bid on the popular social networking site.

Several users sent comments to the Facebook page of Mornings@ANC, also calling the president greedy, selfish and power-hungry.

"Given 9 years in power, sana 'yong term niya eh naayos niya ang ating bansa. Sobrang kapit sa puwesto. Ano bang meron at gusto pa rin niya to stay in power? Bigyan naman niya ng chance ang iba," said one Facebook user.

(Given 9 years in power, she could have fixed the state of the country during her term. She's wants to keep her grip on power. What is there that she wants to stay in power so badly? She should give others a chance.)

Another user said her bid is a "great challenge" to the people of Pampanga. "To prove to the world that they deserve better," the user said.

However, another Facebook user said Arroyo must be a "brilliant political strategist" to run in her bailiwick, where she reportedly has a fighting chance to win.

"They may hate her on the national level, but maybe in her own turf, the situation is different," the user said.