A Catholic priest who won a seat as governor in the last 2007 elections, on Sunday had pledged to prosecute current Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for corruption and plunder if he himself was elected president next year.

Gov. Ed Panlilio, who made history for beating well-entrenched and moneyed politicians in the home province of Arroyo, made the statement after emerging from a meeting with supporters, mostly businessmen, civic leaders and labor groups, which are pushing his bid for the presidency in the next 2010 elections.

However, Panlilio said he had not yet made his commitment before members of the group calling itself Philippines for Righteous Governance (PRG) whether he would run as president, but said he would rather be a convener of ethical and reform-minded individuals who would seek the highest position in the land.

Panlilio, who took a leave from his priestly duties after winning as governor, said he would definitely prosecute Arroyo if he was elected.

"There are so many accusations against her, ill-gotten wealth, so many cases," he told reporters.

He said that these accusations against Arroyo were the reason why she wanted to stay in power through moves by her allies to tinker with the Constitution and change the system of government to parliamentary from presidential so she could be installed as prime minister.

"That is why she wants to run for Congress - to impede" the possibility of being prosecuted, he said.