I deserve a medal of valor, Gonzalez tells GMA
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez, a staunch supporter of Mrs. Arroyo, is asking the Chief Executive to bestow upon him a Medal of Valor, for a different kind of bravery that is.
"I think I deserve a Medal of Valor for having the courage to stay by my wife for 45 years," Gonzalez joked Friday on the occasion of their 45th wedding anniversary. A mass was held at the Jaro Cathedral officiated by Archbishop Angel Lagdameo.
President Arroyo flew to the City early in the evening to attend the mass, which started at around 6:30 pm. She went back to Manila after the mass.
When asked what his secret was that his marriage with Dr. Pacita Gonzalez lasted, the 76-year-old former Iloilo City representative quipped, "It helps to hide once in a while."
The secretary may run, but he can't hide.
"I usually look after my husband. I am there behind him to support. And I guard him man to man (as in basketball)," Pacita, 66, jokingly adding, "But minsan nakakalusot pa rin."
At the same time, Mrs. Gonzalez advised spouses of government officials, especially those holding powerful positions, to follow her lead.
"They should also guard their spouses man to man," she stressed. "There are so many temptations. So it is the fault of women who fall for men in high positions. It is up to the wives to guard their husbands."
And although her husband is often criticized, she is not bothered at all.
"It is okay with me. I know my husband stands on principles, on laws," she said.
She also brushed aside rumors of illicit relationships of the Secretary.
Last year, Gonzalez' former staff, Bert Montilla, alleged that the then Iloilo City congressman had sired a child with Tessie Jamolo, a youth volunteer and former Sangguniang Kabataan president of Barangay Tanza Bonifacio. Jamolo denied having any relationship with Gonzalez.
"Look at me; will the secretary exchange me for somebody else?"she asked. "I am a doctor, a cosmetic surgeon, and a former congresswoman. I am so confident that my husband will not exchange me for other women. I love my husband."
In his homily, Lagdameo said that the couple have been 'dauntless' in the face of problems besetting them.
"You have a reason to celebrate," he said. Lagdameo also joked the couple to invite him on their next 45th wedding anniversary.
April 5, forty-five years ago, the couple first walked down the aisle at the University of Santo Tomas church.
The celebration, however, was moved two days later because April 5 was Mrs. Arroyo's birthday.
"I am very happy that the President shared in the celebration," Gonzalez remarked.
The couple's three sons and two daughters were also present.
Also seen at the sky blue motiffed-private affair were House Speaker Jose de Venecia, his wife Gina, Representative Cynthia Villar and Manuel Pangilinan, Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company.