MANILA, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo announced on Monday that she has decided to seek a congressional seat in 2010 from her hometown in the Second District of Pampanga.

    Speaking on government radio, the President assured that she would remain "firmly in control of the government" until she steps down on June 30, 2010 and that she would spend minimal time for campaign-related activities.

    Arroyo said that by running for Congress, she will satisfy the call of her constituents and her desire for public office."

    "People from my hometown in the Second District of Pampanga have been asking me to remain in public service. So after my soul searching, I have decided to respond affirmatively to their call. To that end, I will file my candidacy for Congress in order to serve the hardworking people of my province," she said.

    The President said that while she is "very much looking forward to stepping down as president at the end of my term, I have been mulling different ways to stay involved."

    She said if elected, she would continue championing poverty alleviation, economic development, and job generation and the delivery of basic services to ordinary families in Pampanga "from a position that is closer to the people."

    The Chief Executive gave her assurance that her congressional bid would not compromise her presidential duties.

    "Let me be clear: I will be firmly in control of our national government until the last day I am in office. 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 said.