AT STAKE in the 20l6 elections is the freedom and liberty of the Kapampangan's pride and icon, former president now Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

It is a clear certainty that Presidential aspirant DILG Sec. Mar Roxas has the least chance of garnering the votes of Pampanga. As the perceived surrogate and possible successor of President Aquino, Roxas will be the last guy who would spring Mrs. Arroyo from detention.

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, who recently announced his presidential ambition, is not expected to give a pardon to GMA should the senator win the derby. Cayetano has no known sympathy and political debt to her. May we hear from his local supporters and financiers?

Only two presidential hopefuls - Vice Pres. Jojo Binay and Sen. Bong Revilla are the possible persons who can free Mrs. Arroyo from her confinement.

Sen. Revilla, Lakas Party president, certainly is the candidate of Mrs. Arroyo. She is chairman emeritus of the party. Lakas commands a nationwide network of local organizations and is still capable of coming back with vengeance in the next elections.

The reason the Aquino administration is keeping the former president under lock is the fear and insecurity of Malacanang on Mrs. Arroyo's inert but explosive leadership capabilities.

President Noy is not taking any chances nor does he underestimate the political prowess of the harmless-looking, frail and sickly Kapampangan idol.

While her spokesperson and lawyers keep harping on the "deteriorating" physical condition of Mrs. Arroyo to stress her harmlessness and incapacity, Pres. Noy believes otherwise. Back of his mind is the lurking threat posed by this woman of steel, grit and courage. "Don't mistake her physical appearance, Mr. President," his dog whisperers often remind him. "She is capable of creating mischief by remote control."

President Noy's apprehension and insecurity were buttressed by the visit of two former Presidents, bishops, and national leaders to the lady in neck brace. Their visit per se speaks of her popular leadership and standing in the esteem of powerful and influential leaders of the nation.

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Mercado: Freedom for Gloria