by POKAT
CORRUPTION. How can concerned government agencies possibly treat this problemwhen our Non Corrupt Governor of Pampanga Among ed Panlilio, a member of"Kaya Natin" (Good Governance) movement is being grilled and pressuredsince day one as Governor and presently under petition (with pending recountpetition at SC) purportedly initiated by Kapanalig at Kambilan ning MemalenPampanga (Kambilan) for recall which was also pushed by most of the localofficials of Pampanga province, especially the mayors, board members and thevice governor.
KAMBILAN is headed by Engr. Rosve Henson, campaign manager of Ms. Lilia Pineda,a former board member who lost in the gubernatorial race last May 2007 election.
They set obstacles on his every way, put up hurdles to obstruct his program,and making life difficult for him. They could not wait for him to finish his term quietly.
So sad.
"Support Crusade for Good Governance and Responsible Citizenship"
Monday, September 29, 2008
Lawmaker opposes recall move vs Panlilio
By Ian Ocampo Flora
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Beleaguered Governor Eddie Panlilio has found a willing ally in the person of Senate Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan on the recall petition against him.
Pangilinan said he opts for a "win-win" solution to the province's current political crisis.
"I am all against the recall of Governor Panlilio. If there is a winnable solution to the political situation in Pampanga, it should be the first step to take rather than undergoing a drastic step such as recall," he said.
The lawmaker, who traces his roots in Pampanga, said he is very much concerned with the political situation in the province.
The Kambilan at Kapanalig ning Memalen Pampanga (Kambilan) announced that it had gathered more than 100,000 signatures for its recall petition to be filed and validated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Among those who signed the recall petition were Pampanga Vice Governor Joseller Guiao and the 13 members of the Provincial Board (PB) and the National Movement of Young Legislators Pampanga chapter.
But Pangilinan said that dialogue and addressing real issues should be conducted through proper forum and not through a recall initiative.
He also offered to mediate in any possible dialogue between Panlilio critics and opposition leaders to at least give communication a chance than jumping immediately to a recall petition.
Asked by journalists if Panlilio would run for the Senate, Pangilinan said he leaves that choice to the priest-turned- governor.
Pangilinan added that he has met Panlilio only a couple of times and have consulted with him, along with Mayors Jesse Robredo of Naga City and Sonia Lorenzo of San Isidro, Nueva Ecija, regarding potential options against traditional politicians in the 2010 elections.
Meanwhile, Kambilan said they will file their recall petition by mid-October. They expect that a recall election will be held by January or February next year.
Aside from Pangilinan, Panlilio has also earned the support of the members of the National Movement Kaya Natin! and "running priest" Fr. Robert Reyes.
Reyes was, however, declared persona non grata or undesirable person by the PB for his alleged "harsh and bias" comments against perceived Panlilio detractors.
source: Sunstar Pampanga
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Beleaguered Governor Eddie Panlilio has found a willing ally in the person of Senate Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan on the recall petition against him.
Pangilinan said he opts for a "win-win" solution to the province's current political crisis.
"I am all against the recall of Governor Panlilio. If there is a winnable solution to the political situation in Pampanga, it should be the first step to take rather than undergoing a drastic step such as recall," he said.
The lawmaker, who traces his roots in Pampanga, said he is very much concerned with the political situation in the province.
The Kambilan at Kapanalig ning Memalen Pampanga (Kambilan) announced that it had gathered more than 100,000 signatures for its recall petition to be filed and validated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Among those who signed the recall petition were Pampanga Vice Governor Joseller Guiao and the 13 members of the Provincial Board (PB) and the National Movement of Young Legislators Pampanga chapter.
But Pangilinan said that dialogue and addressing real issues should be conducted through proper forum and not through a recall initiative.
He also offered to mediate in any possible dialogue between Panlilio critics and opposition leaders to at least give communication a chance than jumping immediately to a recall petition.
Asked by journalists if Panlilio would run for the Senate, Pangilinan said he leaves that choice to the priest-turned- governor.
Pangilinan added that he has met Panlilio only a couple of times and have consulted with him, along with Mayors Jesse Robredo of Naga City and Sonia Lorenzo of San Isidro, Nueva Ecija, regarding potential options against traditional politicians in the 2010 elections.
Meanwhile, Kambilan said they will file their recall petition by mid-October. They expect that a recall election will be held by January or February next year.
Aside from Pangilinan, Panlilio has also earned the support of the members of the National Movement Kaya Natin! and "running priest" Fr. Robert Reyes.
Reyes was, however, declared persona non grata or undesirable person by the PB for his alleged "harsh and bias" comments against perceived Panlilio detractors.
source: Sunstar Pampanga
PAMISAUPAN AWARDS
APALIT, PAMPANGA - September 29, 2008, PAMISAUPAN incoordination with Buklud Kabalen Inc. a municipal based civil society organization awarded 60 units of ceiling fans and wallfans to public schools in Apalit.All the 13 public schools in the municipality of Apalit were awarded 4 units each that they will install in their respective classrooms. The district supervisor's office received the following items and was also the one who handed over the donations to the beneficiaries.
ASLAGG ELECTION
SAN SIMON, PAMPANGA - ASLAGG, the municipal based civil society from San Simon, Pampanga and an affiliate of KASAUP INC. recently conducted their election of new officers last September 28, 2008.Upper photo shows outgoing ASLAGG chairman and KASAUP Treasurer Carlos Diokno, past chairman Rex Manlapaz, incoming chairman Dante David and members of the organization.
B.A.L.A.S ASSESSMENTS
FLORIDA BLANCA, PAMPANGA - Last September 26, 2008, B.A.L.A.S BOYS who remained on their post and KASAUP municipal coordinator Eddie Ayen handed over to Pampanga Governor Eddie T. Panlilio their assessments and recommendations reports regarding the quarry operations in Pampanga.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
KDP STATEMENT
Gov. Ed Panlilio Recall Campaign: A Malacañang Orchestrated Scheme
Less than 18 months into his first term as governor of Pampanga, “among” (Fr.) Ed Panlilio faces a well-funded recall campaign against him. The recall campaigners, organized as Kambilan, keep mum about the source of their finances though the province is awash with stories about money flows from Malacañang and the jueteng lord and lady. Circumstances nevertheless expose the forces and their motives behind he recall move.
The Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya - Central Luzon (KPD-CL) sees this as another case of Malacañang’s handiwork. In the kind of elitist politics the Philippines has, how could Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) be relaxed and comfortable with her own home-province if its governor is neither her ally nor supporter? Its less than 2 years before the 2010 elections!
Just a few months into his post as governor, Ed Panlilio exposed the P500,000 payola he received when he went to Malacañang. This was his second, but bigger sin against the Malacañang resident. But among Ed’s original sin was defeating the Malacañang -favored gambling queen and quarry prince gubernatorial candidates in the May 2007 elections.
Fr. Ed was the people’s reluctant candidate. The Pampanga residents were tired and fed-up with 12 years of harlequin governorship that was consistently marred by corruption, especially on the quarry operations. They wouldn’t take a jueteng queen for a replacement. So the people sought a priest to be their candidate.
KPD views the victory of Gov. Ed Panlilio, like that of Gov. Padaca of Isabela and a few mayors, breached the prevailing elite politics of local dynasties. These were few and isolated cases of people’s assertion of their will through electoral struggle.
The peculiarity however of among Ed is not only his being a priest. He is the governor of a first class province where the home town Lubao of GMA is located.
Whatever his limitations, mistakes and shortcomings in the last 15 months should be viewed and judged in the particular circumstances that his governorship is in.
As in the election period, among Ed would have to rely on the people in this new challenge being thrown against him by the forces of corruption and gambling riddled elite politics. The people would have to defend their gains or these are reversed by the Malacañang’s breed
Less than 18 months into his first term as governor of Pampanga, “among” (Fr.) Ed Panlilio faces a well-funded recall campaign against him. The recall campaigners, organized as Kambilan, keep mum about the source of their finances though the province is awash with stories about money flows from Malacañang and the jueteng lord and lady. Circumstances nevertheless expose the forces and their motives behind he recall move.
The Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya - Central Luzon (KPD-CL) sees this as another case of Malacañang’s handiwork. In the kind of elitist politics the Philippines has, how could Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) be relaxed and comfortable with her own home-province if its governor is neither her ally nor supporter? Its less than 2 years before the 2010 elections!
Just a few months into his post as governor, Ed Panlilio exposed the P500,000 payola he received when he went to Malacañang. This was his second, but bigger sin against the Malacañang resident. But among Ed’s original sin was defeating the Malacañang -favored gambling queen and quarry prince gubernatorial candidates in the May 2007 elections.
Fr. Ed was the people’s reluctant candidate. The Pampanga residents were tired and fed-up with 12 years of harlequin governorship that was consistently marred by corruption, especially on the quarry operations. They wouldn’t take a jueteng queen for a replacement. So the people sought a priest to be their candidate.
KPD views the victory of Gov. Ed Panlilio, like that of Gov. Padaca of Isabela and a few mayors, breached the prevailing elite politics of local dynasties. These were few and isolated cases of people’s assertion of their will through electoral struggle.
The peculiarity however of among Ed is not only his being a priest. He is the governor of a first class province where the home town Lubao of GMA is located.
Whatever his limitations, mistakes and shortcomings in the last 15 months should be viewed and judged in the particular circumstances that his governorship is in.
As in the election period, among Ed would have to rely on the people in this new challenge being thrown against him by the forces of corruption and gambling riddled elite politics. The people would have to defend their gains or these are reversed by the Malacañang’s breed
STATEMENT FROM BAGONG ALYANSANG MAKABAYAN-GITNANG LUSON
STOP POLITICAL BICKERING !
SERVE THE INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE !
We of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Gitnang Luson (BAYAN-GL) are deeply concerned with what is now happening in the political arena of Pampanga.
We wish to remind our leaders and their adherents that their political bickering has been going on for too long already at the expense of the people whose interest and welfare are being unjustly made hostage to their continuing disunity.
As early as July this year, we have already sounded our call for them to end their word war, enjoining them to instead work hand in hand to ease the economic sufferings of their constituents in light of the deepening economic crisis. Considering that due to their prolonged squabbling, the entire provincial government has been unable to provide the most basic needs of their constituents majority of whom are poor, we reiterate that call with the same utmost urgency, here and now!
At the same time, we share our insight on the ongoing dispute to put things in their proper perspective.
It appears that the main reason for the squabble is that Gov. Ed Panlilio wanted to institutionalize in the provincial capitol his platform for good governance, transparency and responsible citizenship. This is the same campaign slogan that Panlilio and other well-meaning Kapampangans collectively hammered out to constitute as their own program of government in the May 2007 gubernatorial election.
Unfortunately, Panlilio's move was met with vehement objection coming from the entire Provincial Board and the Pampanga Mayors' League. But of course, they cannot frontally attack it, lest their leanings be exposed to the public. So, they raised all and sundry issues, including questions on the sharing of quarry collections and budgetary matters, to make it appear that they are merely performing their role as fiscalizers.
No matter what, the basic objection to the disputed platform hinges on the fact that it demands that those running the government be honest, incorruptible, responsive, transparent, and that the people be given substantial and meaningful say in governmental affairs.
Given the complexion of this proposition, no true-blue trapo can be expected to agree to it since it threatens their vested interests. Most especially, President Arroyo's efforts to strengthen her political dynasty and consolidate her political power in her home turf as well as her desire to perpetuate herself in power beyond 2010. Logically, therefore, there is no other way to protect their interest but to nip the threat in the bud.
This is why Panlilio's political opponents have been ganging up on him from day one to this day. Initially, they tried to whip him into line. But in view of his uncompromising stance, they are now whipping up the whirlwind to force him out of capitol. This explains the current recall move against him, raising various issues some of which are obviously caused by the ongoing word war and therefore should be blamed on the ones who caused the problem.
What is more, Malacanang itself sees it fit to directly take charge of the ensuing political events with the help of Arroyo's national political operators who coordinates with existing political dynasties and other trapos in Pampanga. Joining their group are a handful of moneyed and influential people, some of whom are disgruntled former allies of the beleaguered governor, and a few religious people enjoying social graces from the powers that be.
In the main, the situation is a clear indictment of the existing rotten political system characterized by patronage politics which reeks of political opportunism and personal greed among traditional politicians and insults the dignity of the electorates. It is precisely against this odious political order that the Filipino masses have, in every stage of our history as a people, risen to the challenge of changing it for the better in every way they can.
Panlilio's unprecedented victory in the May 2007 gubernatorial election brought some hope that despite the basic flaws of the system, there is still chance to better their conditions through peaceful elections by supporting and electing to office good and responsible leaders who will represent their genuine interests. But what is happening now in the provincial capitol presents a tragic situation negating their expectation, and it would take them longer time to again find, or not anymore, another chance like this. Now, what if they don't find another chance under the present system? Can the government blame them for seeking for it elsewhere?
In any case, the signs of the times challenge us to stand firm and collectively work and act to preserve our gains. This, as we persevere in our struggle for a truly free, democratic, just, peaceful and prosperous Philippine society.
Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Gitnang Luson
City of San Fernando, Pampanga
September 22, 2008
SERVE THE INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE !
We of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Gitnang Luson (BAYAN-GL) are deeply concerned with what is now happening in the political arena of Pampanga.
We wish to remind our leaders and their adherents that their political bickering has been going on for too long already at the expense of the people whose interest and welfare are being unjustly made hostage to their continuing disunity.
As early as July this year, we have already sounded our call for them to end their word war, enjoining them to instead work hand in hand to ease the economic sufferings of their constituents in light of the deepening economic crisis. Considering that due to their prolonged squabbling, the entire provincial government has been unable to provide the most basic needs of their constituents majority of whom are poor, we reiterate that call with the same utmost urgency, here and now!
At the same time, we share our insight on the ongoing dispute to put things in their proper perspective.
It appears that the main reason for the squabble is that Gov. Ed Panlilio wanted to institutionalize in the provincial capitol his platform for good governance, transparency and responsible citizenship. This is the same campaign slogan that Panlilio and other well-meaning Kapampangans collectively hammered out to constitute as their own program of government in the May 2007 gubernatorial election.
Unfortunately, Panlilio's move was met with vehement objection coming from the entire Provincial Board and the Pampanga Mayors' League. But of course, they cannot frontally attack it, lest their leanings be exposed to the public. So, they raised all and sundry issues, including questions on the sharing of quarry collections and budgetary matters, to make it appear that they are merely performing their role as fiscalizers.
No matter what, the basic objection to the disputed platform hinges on the fact that it demands that those running the government be honest, incorruptible, responsive, transparent, and that the people be given substantial and meaningful say in governmental affairs.
Given the complexion of this proposition, no true-blue trapo can be expected to agree to it since it threatens their vested interests. Most especially, President Arroyo's efforts to strengthen her political dynasty and consolidate her political power in her home turf as well as her desire to perpetuate herself in power beyond 2010. Logically, therefore, there is no other way to protect their interest but to nip the threat in the bud.
This is why Panlilio's political opponents have been ganging up on him from day one to this day. Initially, they tried to whip him into line. But in view of his uncompromising stance, they are now whipping up the whirlwind to force him out of capitol. This explains the current recall move against him, raising various issues some of which are obviously caused by the ongoing word war and therefore should be blamed on the ones who caused the problem.
What is more, Malacanang itself sees it fit to directly take charge of the ensuing political events with the help of Arroyo's national political operators who coordinates with existing political dynasties and other trapos in Pampanga. Joining their group are a handful of moneyed and influential people, some of whom are disgruntled former allies of the beleaguered governor, and a few religious people enjoying social graces from the powers that be.
In the main, the situation is a clear indictment of the existing rotten political system characterized by patronage politics which reeks of political opportunism and personal greed among traditional politicians and insults the dignity of the electorates. It is precisely against this odious political order that the Filipino masses have, in every stage of our history as a people, risen to the challenge of changing it for the better in every way they can.
Panlilio's unprecedented victory in the May 2007 gubernatorial election brought some hope that despite the basic flaws of the system, there is still chance to better their conditions through peaceful elections by supporting and electing to office good and responsible leaders who will represent their genuine interests. But what is happening now in the provincial capitol presents a tragic situation negating their expectation, and it would take them longer time to again find, or not anymore, another chance like this. Now, what if they don't find another chance under the present system? Can the government blame them for seeking for it elsewhere?
In any case, the signs of the times challenge us to stand firm and collectively work and act to preserve our gains. This, as we persevere in our struggle for a truly free, democratic, just, peaceful and prosperous Philippine society.
Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Gitnang Luson
City of San Fernando, Pampanga
September 22, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Among Ed interviewed by Janelle So in KABABAYAN L.A
Governor Eddie T. Panlilio was interviewed by Ms. Janelle So in their U.S based program KABABAYAN L.A on his last trip to the U.S.A. to view the interview, pls. follow the link below:
http://www.la18.tv/Video.aspx?vid=04455534-3475-46d0-bb37-a3e4e62454d7
http://www.la18.tv/Video.aspx?vid=04455534-3475-46d0-bb37-a3e4e62454d7
Priest hits Panlilio's detractors
By Jovi T. De Leon
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Running priest Fr. Roberto Reyes has berated Vice Governor Joseller Guiao, members of the Provincial Board (PB), and Malacañang for their alleged attempts to bring the administration of Governor Eddie Panlilio to its knees.
Reyes even described the current political turmoil in the province as "new eruption" in the likes of the 1991 Mount Pinatubo explosion.
He said this would send the province back to its miserable state before the priest-turned- governor assumed the provincial executive's helm.
The fiery and outspoken Reyes visited the province last Friday to express his support for the governor and celebrate what he calls as "liturgy of the stone."
The stones that came from Mt. Pinatubo were blessed and later on placed by participants and Panlilio in a "Kubol ng Pag-asa" poster lying at the Capitol's front steps.
Before he celebrated the short "liturgy," Reyes took a crack at Guiao, challenging him to take over as governor and "show that Pampanga is not corrupt and that he could rid the Capitol of all its evil."
He assailed Malacañang for keeping mum on the problems of the province. He also lashed back at the governor's detractors for their "dirty patronage politics."
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Running priest Fr. Roberto Reyes has berated Vice Governor Joseller Guiao, members of the Provincial Board (PB), and Malacañang for their alleged attempts to bring the administration of Governor Eddie Panlilio to its knees.
Reyes even described the current political turmoil in the province as "new eruption" in the likes of the 1991 Mount Pinatubo explosion.
He said this would send the province back to its miserable state before the priest-turned- governor assumed the provincial executive's helm.
The fiery and outspoken Reyes visited the province last Friday to express his support for the governor and celebrate what he calls as "liturgy of the stone."
The stones that came from Mt. Pinatubo were blessed and later on placed by participants and Panlilio in a "Kubol ng Pag-asa" poster lying at the Capitol's front steps.
Before he celebrated the short "liturgy," Reyes took a crack at Guiao, challenging him to take over as governor and "show that Pampanga is not corrupt and that he could rid the Capitol of all its evil."
He assailed Malacañang for keeping mum on the problems of the province. He also lashed back at the governor's detractors for their "dirty patronage politics."
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Kasaup: 'We have not lost confidence in guv'
SAN LUIS -- A leader of the group Kasaup here said Monday that their group continues to support Pampanga Governor Eddie Panlilio and the Crusade for Good Governance despite the call of other sectors for him to resign because of "loss of confidence" and ineffectiveness in governing the province.
Panlilio is the subject of a recall petition initiated last month by the Kambilan Neng Memalen Pampanga (Kambilan) and now the object of a "resign" movement elevated by sacked members of protesting Biyaya A Luluguran At Sisikapan (Balas) boys in their month-long picket at the Arnedo Park of the Capitol.
But Arnel Manliclic Sr., a Kasaup municipal coordinator, decried "loss of confidence" as a motive of the recall petition and a reason for other civil society groups to withdraw their support for the Capitol executive, saying he and his group and many more "do not believe Panlilio has lost the confidence of his constituents. "
"Is this what they call 'loss of confidence'? The people in this rally today are farmers, out-of-school youth, businessmen and simply folk who still believe in the governor, good governance and the crusade. Why do they say there's loss of confidence?" Manliclic said.
About 500 placard-bearing members of Kasaup and supporters of Panlilio gathered Monday afternoon at the St. Aloysius Parish here for a prayer rally to denounce the recall move and air their support for Panlilio as well as affirm their allegiance to the principles of the Crusade.
Parish Priest Fr. Fernando David who led the group in praying, said "it was very good to see that the crusade for change and good governance is very well alive" amid the now complex political situation in the province.
The rally was otherwise peaceful, save for the complaints of some members that several barangay officials dissuaded them from joining the gathering by stopping their vehicles. But officials of the barangays identified by the rallyists, belied the allegations.
After a brief program, the group started its own "anti-recall" signature drive by distributing and signing forms that will counter the recall move. (JTD)
Panlilio is the subject of a recall petition initiated last month by the Kambilan Neng Memalen Pampanga (Kambilan) and now the object of a "resign" movement elevated by sacked members of protesting Biyaya A Luluguran At Sisikapan (Balas) boys in their month-long picket at the Arnedo Park of the Capitol.
But Arnel Manliclic Sr., a Kasaup municipal coordinator, decried "loss of confidence" as a motive of the recall petition and a reason for other civil society groups to withdraw their support for the Capitol executive, saying he and his group and many more "do not believe Panlilio has lost the confidence of his constituents. "
"Is this what they call 'loss of confidence'? The people in this rally today are farmers, out-of-school youth, businessmen and simply folk who still believe in the governor, good governance and the crusade. Why do they say there's loss of confidence?" Manliclic said.
About 500 placard-bearing members of Kasaup and supporters of Panlilio gathered Monday afternoon at the St. Aloysius Parish here for a prayer rally to denounce the recall move and air their support for Panlilio as well as affirm their allegiance to the principles of the Crusade.
Parish Priest Fr. Fernando David who led the group in praying, said "it was very good to see that the crusade for change and good governance is very well alive" amid the now complex political situation in the province.
The rally was otherwise peaceful, save for the complaints of some members that several barangay officials dissuaded them from joining the gathering by stopping their vehicles. But officials of the barangays identified by the rallyists, belied the allegations.
After a brief program, the group started its own "anti-recall" signature drive by distributing and signing forms that will counter the recall move. (JTD)
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
KASAUP AT 99.1GV FM
ANGELES CITY - KASAUP, INC. Municipal Coordinators were invited last September 14, 2008, 3pm at 99.1 GVFM'S afternoon program "MALA PAMPANGA".Upper photo shows from left to right Gov. Eddie Panlilio, Carlos Diokno(San Simon), Adonis Simpao(Sta. Rita), Johnny Balingit(Masanto), MALA PAMPANGA hosts Katotong Irwin and Katotong Marifa.
Tantingco: Saving the governor
By Robby Tantingco
(SunStar Pampanga)
NOW that they're seriously pursuing the recall option-meaning, they really want to get Among Ed out of office -- it's time to sound the clarion call to all you men of goodwill out there: Save the Governor!
Because, if you don't, who will?
He has no political party or machinery that will come to his rescue, and there is not a single elected official out there whom he can count on in times of trouble -- not the vice governor, not the board members, not the mayors or their vice mayors and municipal councilors -- my God, not even barangay chairmen and barangay councilors.
Even his own circle of supporters -- including his financiers, his legal counsel, his chief of staff, his campaign manager -- have either parted ways with him or stayed away from him.
It now appears that Among Ed's enemies and friends have formed a tactical alliance and reached a critical mass that's enough to topple him from power.
If that happens, then it's a sad day for Pampanga.
The good fight that we fought last year and the victory that we achieved over old-style politics would be all for naught. The miracle of people power that stirred the imagination of the democratic world would amount to nothing, after all. The long months of sacrifice by so many heroic people, including the ultimate sacrifice made by that one martyr from Betis, would all be squandered by one weak moment of disunity.
There are some of us who walked away from Among Gob because, well, we went back to our daily lives. There are those who were disillusioned by him, either because his promised reforms are too slow in coming or because he refuses to fire his controversial administrator. And I'm sure there are those who left because they thought it was payback time and got offended when Among Gob did not give them any favors.
Well, whatever your reasons for leaving are, you can set them aside because we have a bigger problem at hand: We are in danger of losing not just Among Gob. We are losing this one golden chance of regaining our pride as a people.
Pampanga has a history of greatness. We were already a nation with a fully functioning civilization before the Spaniards colonized us. Yet even the Spaniards were amazed at the beauty and richness of our land (they called Pampanga "the new Spain") and by the character and talents of our people (they called Kapampangans "the Castilians of these islands").
They were so impressed with Kapampangans that they entrusted their entire army to us and opened their exclusive schools to us. Thus, we produced the first Filipino priests, doctors and writers, achieved a golden age of literature, became the capital of the Philippines, and helped this country gain its independence.
We were on our way to more greatness when somewhere along the way, we were sidetracked by mismanagement of our province by a string of corrupt and inept leaders, by our dependence on a giant US military base, by a volcanic eruption, and by a slow but steady deterioration of our culture and language.
We used to be proud and vain and accustomed to being the center of attention.
Gradually, through the years, but especially after Pinatubo forced us down to our knees, we lost it. The lasting image that the world has of Kapampangans is the image of men, women and children, stripped of all pride and dignity, crawling on lahar like dogs stuck in mud, and lining up in evacuation centers for their daily ration of rice and sardines.
Of course, eventually we achieved economic recovery and cultural reawakening, but it was only last year, in that one glorious moment during the elections, that Kapampangans truly regained their pride as a people as they proved to the world that the two goliaths of Philippine politics -- celebrity and money -- could be defeated after all by prayer and people power.
That was not Among Ed alone. That was all of us.
In the same manner, if Among Ed fails, it won't just be Among Ed, but all of us.
Whatever our gripes against Among Ed, and whatever his flaws, let's save him. It's not actually him we are saving, but the crusade he started -- the crusade for good governance and for higher ethical and moral standards among government officials and workers.
Even his enemies know in their hearts that Among Ed is the best man to lead this crusade. He may not be the most politically astute and most qualified governor, but they know he is the only leader who can lead this crusade with credibility.
The reason the Constitution limited the term of office of elected local officials to three years (instead of six) is precisely so that they can be voted out soon enough before they do more harm.
Among Ed has finished one year and has two more years to go. What terrible thing has he done -- what outrageous misconduct or malfeasance -- that we want him out now?
Why should we go through another long, tedious, divisive and expensive recall election just to get him out and replace him with another who will, for all we know, be even worse?
If we so dislike Among Ed, let's not reelect him in the next election, which is barely 20 months from today. But remove him from office after only a year? Even a simple employee gets two years of probation under the law.
I respect the right of the recall movement organizers to express their disappointment for Among Ed, and to express it in the constitutionally mandated process of recall election. I am sure that they sincerely believe Among Ed doesn't have what it takes to be governor, and I am sure they sincerely want to save the province from what they consider to be an inept leader.
But I also believe there are those who will hitch a ride on the bandwagon of the recall movement with motives other than the welfare of the Kapampangan people -- motives like getting another shot at the position for their losing candidate, and motives like getting even with Among Ed for a business proposal he disapproved or a request he did not grant or a bad experience with his controversial administrator.
I urge them to look into their hearts and think of the interest of the province instead of their own. I urge them to hold another dialogue, or better, a series of dialogues, with the governor -- only this time, no cameras and no audience, so that there will be no grandstanding, only a sincere reaching out to the other side and trying to understand why the other side is doing what it's doing.
They will realize that a dialogue is easier, cheaper, less traumatic and ultimately more rewarding than a recall election.
It won't oust Among Ed, but it will save the province.
(SunStar Pampanga)
NOW that they're seriously pursuing the recall option-meaning, they really want to get Among Ed out of office -- it's time to sound the clarion call to all you men of goodwill out there: Save the Governor!
Because, if you don't, who will?
He has no political party or machinery that will come to his rescue, and there is not a single elected official out there whom he can count on in times of trouble -- not the vice governor, not the board members, not the mayors or their vice mayors and municipal councilors -- my God, not even barangay chairmen and barangay councilors.
Even his own circle of supporters -- including his financiers, his legal counsel, his chief of staff, his campaign manager -- have either parted ways with him or stayed away from him.
It now appears that Among Ed's enemies and friends have formed a tactical alliance and reached a critical mass that's enough to topple him from power.
If that happens, then it's a sad day for Pampanga.
The good fight that we fought last year and the victory that we achieved over old-style politics would be all for naught. The miracle of people power that stirred the imagination of the democratic world would amount to nothing, after all. The long months of sacrifice by so many heroic people, including the ultimate sacrifice made by that one martyr from Betis, would all be squandered by one weak moment of disunity.
There are some of us who walked away from Among Gob because, well, we went back to our daily lives. There are those who were disillusioned by him, either because his promised reforms are too slow in coming or because he refuses to fire his controversial administrator. And I'm sure there are those who left because they thought it was payback time and got offended when Among Gob did not give them any favors.
Well, whatever your reasons for leaving are, you can set them aside because we have a bigger problem at hand: We are in danger of losing not just Among Gob. We are losing this one golden chance of regaining our pride as a people.
Pampanga has a history of greatness. We were already a nation with a fully functioning civilization before the Spaniards colonized us. Yet even the Spaniards were amazed at the beauty and richness of our land (they called Pampanga "the new Spain") and by the character and talents of our people (they called Kapampangans "the Castilians of these islands").
They were so impressed with Kapampangans that they entrusted their entire army to us and opened their exclusive schools to us. Thus, we produced the first Filipino priests, doctors and writers, achieved a golden age of literature, became the capital of the Philippines, and helped this country gain its independence.
We were on our way to more greatness when somewhere along the way, we were sidetracked by mismanagement of our province by a string of corrupt and inept leaders, by our dependence on a giant US military base, by a volcanic eruption, and by a slow but steady deterioration of our culture and language.
We used to be proud and vain and accustomed to being the center of attention.
Gradually, through the years, but especially after Pinatubo forced us down to our knees, we lost it. The lasting image that the world has of Kapampangans is the image of men, women and children, stripped of all pride and dignity, crawling on lahar like dogs stuck in mud, and lining up in evacuation centers for their daily ration of rice and sardines.
Of course, eventually we achieved economic recovery and cultural reawakening, but it was only last year, in that one glorious moment during the elections, that Kapampangans truly regained their pride as a people as they proved to the world that the two goliaths of Philippine politics -- celebrity and money -- could be defeated after all by prayer and people power.
That was not Among Ed alone. That was all of us.
In the same manner, if Among Ed fails, it won't just be Among Ed, but all of us.
Whatever our gripes against Among Ed, and whatever his flaws, let's save him. It's not actually him we are saving, but the crusade he started -- the crusade for good governance and for higher ethical and moral standards among government officials and workers.
Even his enemies know in their hearts that Among Ed is the best man to lead this crusade. He may not be the most politically astute and most qualified governor, but they know he is the only leader who can lead this crusade with credibility.
The reason the Constitution limited the term of office of elected local officials to three years (instead of six) is precisely so that they can be voted out soon enough before they do more harm.
Among Ed has finished one year and has two more years to go. What terrible thing has he done -- what outrageous misconduct or malfeasance -- that we want him out now?
Why should we go through another long, tedious, divisive and expensive recall election just to get him out and replace him with another who will, for all we know, be even worse?
If we so dislike Among Ed, let's not reelect him in the next election, which is barely 20 months from today. But remove him from office after only a year? Even a simple employee gets two years of probation under the law.
I respect the right of the recall movement organizers to express their disappointment for Among Ed, and to express it in the constitutionally mandated process of recall election. I am sure that they sincerely believe Among Ed doesn't have what it takes to be governor, and I am sure they sincerely want to save the province from what they consider to be an inept leader.
But I also believe there are those who will hitch a ride on the bandwagon of the recall movement with motives other than the welfare of the Kapampangan people -- motives like getting another shot at the position for their losing candidate, and motives like getting even with Among Ed for a business proposal he disapproved or a request he did not grant or a bad experience with his controversial administrator.
I urge them to look into their hearts and think of the interest of the province instead of their own. I urge them to hold another dialogue, or better, a series of dialogues, with the governor -- only this time, no cameras and no audience, so that there will be no grandstanding, only a sincere reaching out to the other side and trying to understand why the other side is doing what it's doing.
They will realize that a dialogue is easier, cheaper, less traumatic and ultimately more rewarding than a recall election.
It won't oust Among Ed, but it will save the province.
A Prescription for Cancer
While the pervasive political graft and corruption amidst us is a disgrace to our nation and our people, a rape against all of us, those officials who obviously accept and practice them, and those who support this social cancer, are worse than the malignant crooks themselves. Their perverted senses of right and wrong, of justice, crime and punishment, are pathologic and sickening.
Take the case of Governor Ed Panlilio of Pampanga, a penniless priest, who won the election fairly and squarely against two well-entrenched “unbeatable’ powerful kingpins with well-funded political machineries in his province. In spite of his proven integrity, honesty, transparency and accountability, and glaringly obvious love and compassion for his constituents, his province, and his country since he took office, Governor Panlilio is being targeted by his enemies and their misguided supporters who are trying hard to punish him and oust him --- through a failed recount, now a recall, and as rumored, possibly (God forbid), through “requiem.” (This last option would be the greatest and the gravest blunder the opposition could make.)
The question is: Why are some people now punishing a moral and law-abiding leader who is fighting graft and corruption, and allowing criminals to go free and unpunished, unabated in their plunder of our cities, provinces, and the nation, as more than 30% of our people are languishing in poverty? This is, indeed, extreme perversion and a mockery of justice! Aren’t we supposed to punish the criminals and reward the law-abiding citizens, and not the other way around?
This problem is not only of Pampanga and of the kapampangans. This is a problem for the entire Filipino nation. What is bad for Pampanga is bad for any other province in the country. What is good for Pampanga is good for the entire nation and the Filipinos in general. Let every Filipino, wherever he or she might be, rally behind Pampanga and its great people. The Pampanga experiment is an effective prescription for the political cancer that is ravaging the entire country
The Filipinos in the Philippines and around the world have the moral and socio-civic obligation to support men of caliber, moral fiber, compassion, and incorruptible integrity like Governor Panlilio, Isabela Governor Grace Padaca, Ifugao province Governor Teddy Baguilat, Jr., Naga City Mayor Jesse M. Robredo, San Isidro Mayor Sonia Lorenzo, San Fernando Mayor Oscar Rodriguez, and all other political leaders in the likes of them, and socio-civic champions like Tony Meloto of Gawad Kalinga, and aid in the national rebuilding of our beloved country, to a new nation, a just, honorable, and compassionate one, where war is waged, not against good people but against corruption and poverty, one which we and our children and the future generations can cherish with honor, dignity and pride within the international community of nations around the world.
To our fellow Filipinos, at home and around the globe: Let us start a revolution, not a revolution of arms, where blood shall be shed, but a revolution of ideals and principles, where our sweat and tears shall bathe the nation clean.
The power is in our hands, and the grasp, within our reach. Indeed, Kaya Natin!
The window of opportunity is here. Let’s unite and go for a miracle. Our ailing nation and our suffering people deserve one.
Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS
Chairman
Filipino United Network (USA)
Take the case of Governor Ed Panlilio of Pampanga, a penniless priest, who won the election fairly and squarely against two well-entrenched “unbeatable’ powerful kingpins with well-funded political machineries in his province. In spite of his proven integrity, honesty, transparency and accountability, and glaringly obvious love and compassion for his constituents, his province, and his country since he took office, Governor Panlilio is being targeted by his enemies and their misguided supporters who are trying hard to punish him and oust him --- through a failed recount, now a recall, and as rumored, possibly (God forbid), through “requiem.” (This last option would be the greatest and the gravest blunder the opposition could make.)
The question is: Why are some people now punishing a moral and law-abiding leader who is fighting graft and corruption, and allowing criminals to go free and unpunished, unabated in their plunder of our cities, provinces, and the nation, as more than 30% of our people are languishing in poverty? This is, indeed, extreme perversion and a mockery of justice! Aren’t we supposed to punish the criminals and reward the law-abiding citizens, and not the other way around?
This problem is not only of Pampanga and of the kapampangans. This is a problem for the entire Filipino nation. What is bad for Pampanga is bad for any other province in the country. What is good for Pampanga is good for the entire nation and the Filipinos in general. Let every Filipino, wherever he or she might be, rally behind Pampanga and its great people. The Pampanga experiment is an effective prescription for the political cancer that is ravaging the entire country
The Filipinos in the Philippines and around the world have the moral and socio-civic obligation to support men of caliber, moral fiber, compassion, and incorruptible integrity like Governor Panlilio, Isabela Governor Grace Padaca, Ifugao province Governor Teddy Baguilat, Jr., Naga City Mayor Jesse M. Robredo, San Isidro Mayor Sonia Lorenzo, San Fernando Mayor Oscar Rodriguez, and all other political leaders in the likes of them, and socio-civic champions like Tony Meloto of Gawad Kalinga, and aid in the national rebuilding of our beloved country, to a new nation, a just, honorable, and compassionate one, where war is waged, not against good people but against corruption and poverty, one which we and our children and the future generations can cherish with honor, dignity and pride within the international community of nations around the world.
To our fellow Filipinos, at home and around the globe: Let us start a revolution, not a revolution of arms, where blood shall be shed, but a revolution of ideals and principles, where our sweat and tears shall bathe the nation clean.
The power is in our hands, and the grasp, within our reach. Indeed, Kaya Natin!
The window of opportunity is here. Let’s unite and go for a miracle. Our ailing nation and our suffering people deserve one.
Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS
Chairman
Filipino United Network (USA)
Saturday, September 13, 2008
THE ROLE OF THE INDIVIDUAL IN GOOD GOVERNANCE 2
By: Red Reyes
Let me start my thought with the reaction of Dr. Philip S. Chua, Chairman of Filipino United Network (USA)
“Thanks for this brilliant dissertation.I am married to Farida Quiambao-Isip, a Pediatrician from Macabebe, and my paternal grandmother (Salas) is from Arayat. While I hailed from Quezon City, I have always felt like I am an adopted son of Pampanga...
Anyway, we, in the Filipino United Network (USA) is onewith you. The Miracle Governor Eddie (Among Ed) Panliliois our hero and inspiration. (Please view the FUN website:www.FilipinoUNITEDnetwork.com )
Anyway, since we want the Among Ed's Pampanga experimentto be applied to the entire country, for national rebuilding, I suggest that we all start "spreading the good news" to include all provinces,the entire nation, all Filipinos, which ever province they arefrom...and not concentrate only on ourselves, the kapampangans,when we talk about Among Ed. To put Among Ed up, we need the support of all Filipinos,from each and every province.
We do not want to give theperception that we, the kapampangans, are the only onescelebrating the "coming" of Among Ed. Let us share himwith all Filipinos, throughout the nation. (I want to prevent any provincial pride from resulting in the loss of support forAmong Ed from Filipinos from other regions of the country. I want every Filipino to cast his support for Among Ed andhis battle for good governance and against graft and corruption.Among Ed must be perceived as a Filipino first....not only asa kapampangan...an essential PR matter).Just a thought and a suggestion.As I said, we are with you...100% of the way....with AmongEd as our standard bearer and leader in Christ.God bless you and your family.”Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS ChairmanFilipino United Network ( USA )Scalpelpen@gmail.com
I agree to the reaction of our brother in our crusade that Among Ed who symbolizes hope in Pampanga must be for all Filipinos. It just happened that it started in our province Pampanga that is why I intentionally focused my insights for the capampangan.
Good governance is a gift from God not only for our province Pampanga but also for our beloved country , the Philippines . Each individual is obliged to cherish , love and treasure this gift inasmuch as it is a blessing that was given by Our Loving God and Father .
I therefore make this appeal to my fellow Filipinos to Wake Up and Get Involved , as it has started with the Capampangans . We are, indeed , Blest By Almighty God that we now have in our midst a governor who has made tremendous self-sacrifice and is willing to embark on the journey with all of us towards fulfilling our hopes , dreams and aspirations , and building a Truly Bright And Glorious Future For Children And Their Succeeding Generations . Today , we are all witnesses to this great episode in our nation's history in which there is a phenomenal event taking place in our country's political system , a welcome change and a paradigm shift towards transforming the entire Filipino Nation under a Government of Utmost Transparency and Good Governance , of Selfless Dedication and Service to the Filipino People . God is calling upon Righteous Men and Women to Rise Up and Heed to this Crusade of Good Governance . What was once an impossible dream is now being transformed into reality . And we have our Almighty God to thank for all these great and wonderful things that are now happening . After all , it was He who said , " Behold , I am the LORD , the God of all flesh : is there any thing too hard for Me ?" JEREMIAH 32:27 And yes , indeed , Nothing is too difficult for God to do .
During the past months , many politicians were checked and rendered immobile in their corrupt practices in our country . This therefore triggered a lot of attempts on the part of these crooked and corrupt officials to remove the incumbent governor from his office. At this point in time , we Capampangans Must Persevere And Do With Everything In Our Power to Fight The Good Fight And Move Forward Towards Defending And Preserving This Noble Crusade that we have started in our province .
Mayor Hagedorn , the good and dedicated mayor of Puerto Prinsesa , Palawan , have said , " We can have hope if all the leaders of the land will be like Among Governor Panlilio in seriously practicing Good Governance ". And former Senator Franklin Drilon has stated that Among Governor Ed must not fail because he is a symbol of hope for all Filipinos .
Indeed , we Capampangans , in Unity with our Filipino brothers , Must Not Fail . We Have It In Our God-given Resources And Power as a People that It is Only Through Good Governance That We Can Achieve Our Pre-Eminence And Seat as a Leader And Model Nation in the Community Of Nations .
A good majority of Filipinos are saying that their only hope for a better life is to find work and employment in other countries . My question is : If those people living in developed countries are enjoying life because they are free from corruption, can we not enjoy the same good life in our own country under the Principle And System of Good Governance ?
We Really Need to Declare an Open War Against Graft and Corruption , especially against corrupt politicians because they are the Culprits , the very source of our people's grave poverty and miserable living conditions in our nation . These Crooked , Corrupt, Traditional Politicians are the Destroyers Of Our Children's Future .
Indeed , it is very frustrating and hellish to live in a country with corrupt leaders . We must put our trust only in good and benevolent leaders like Among Governor Panlilio and Kaya Natin members-Governor Grace Padaca and those who are with them in this advocacy and system of Good Governance.
Our Esteemed Hero, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino fought and died for Justice and Good Governance. Many Filipinos as well risked their lives in the 1986 Edsa Revolution. Why is it , then , that our situation turned out for the worse ? It is all because Graft and Corruption in our country continued to exist, flourish and remained unchecked , unchallenged and unstopped . . . until now .
The way I see it , the kind of Good Governance that the Capampangans have started will surely bring Bright Future for our country because it Co-Exist with Responsible Citizenship. When former president Cory Aquino and her successors held the presidential office, they , as well as their officials , took advantage of their positions and concentrated on how they can amass ill-gotten wealth from the nation's treasury and resources .
The Good Governance that is now being advocated simply refers to the entire Filipino Citizenry's Involvement and Responsiveness To the Affairs Of Government in their daily lives. One or a few Leaders Cannot make Good Governance a Reality . But if the Filipino citizenry Will Rise Up As One In Support of this Noble Crusade , then the Dream for Our Nation's Bright Future that we have for many years been longing for will become a Wonderful Reality .
Together with our Governor Eddie Panlilio , we should be Vigilant in Fighting Graft and Corruption in government . We all , As individuals , Are Responsible. Each time we look on our pay slips or tax payment receipts , and each time that taxes are charged from all items that we buy , it is only right that we must think of our responsibility and involvement in the affairs of government , to check and ensure that our hard earned tax money is not pocketed by greedy and corrupt politicians as well as government officials and employees .
NOW is Our Time To Rise Up and Move Forward As a Nation Under God and HIS Banner Of Righteousness , to March On And Fight For Good Governance , and to Fight The Good Fight Against Graft And Corruption in government . Every Second , Every Minute and Every Hour Of Each Day Counts . We Cannot Afford to hesitate , to stop nor to turn back even for a brief moment , for we may not have a Second Chance to Turn Into Reality Our Nation's Bright Future .
God Bless Our Beloved Country , the Philippines !
(Thanks to Joseroman Laquian for his wonderful contributions?
Let me start my thought with the reaction of Dr. Philip S. Chua, Chairman of Filipino United Network (USA)
“Thanks for this brilliant dissertation.I am married to Farida Quiambao-Isip, a Pediatrician from Macabebe, and my paternal grandmother (Salas) is from Arayat. While I hailed from Quezon City, I have always felt like I am an adopted son of Pampanga...
Anyway, we, in the Filipino United Network (USA) is onewith you. The Miracle Governor Eddie (Among Ed) Panliliois our hero and inspiration. (Please view the FUN website:www.FilipinoUNITEDnetwork.com )
Anyway, since we want the Among Ed's Pampanga experimentto be applied to the entire country, for national rebuilding, I suggest that we all start "spreading the good news" to include all provinces,the entire nation, all Filipinos, which ever province they arefrom...and not concentrate only on ourselves, the kapampangans,when we talk about Among Ed. To put Among Ed up, we need the support of all Filipinos,from each and every province.
We do not want to give theperception that we, the kapampangans, are the only onescelebrating the "coming" of Among Ed. Let us share himwith all Filipinos, throughout the nation. (I want to prevent any provincial pride from resulting in the loss of support forAmong Ed from Filipinos from other regions of the country. I want every Filipino to cast his support for Among Ed andhis battle for good governance and against graft and corruption.Among Ed must be perceived as a Filipino first....not only asa kapampangan...an essential PR matter).Just a thought and a suggestion.As I said, we are with you...100% of the way....with AmongEd as our standard bearer and leader in Christ.God bless you and your family.”Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS ChairmanFilipino United Network ( USA )Scalpelpen@gmail.com
I agree to the reaction of our brother in our crusade that Among Ed who symbolizes hope in Pampanga must be for all Filipinos. It just happened that it started in our province Pampanga that is why I intentionally focused my insights for the capampangan.
Good governance is a gift from God not only for our province Pampanga but also for our beloved country , the Philippines . Each individual is obliged to cherish , love and treasure this gift inasmuch as it is a blessing that was given by Our Loving God and Father .
I therefore make this appeal to my fellow Filipinos to Wake Up and Get Involved , as it has started with the Capampangans . We are, indeed , Blest By Almighty God that we now have in our midst a governor who has made tremendous self-sacrifice and is willing to embark on the journey with all of us towards fulfilling our hopes , dreams and aspirations , and building a Truly Bright And Glorious Future For Children And Their Succeeding Generations . Today , we are all witnesses to this great episode in our nation's history in which there is a phenomenal event taking place in our country's political system , a welcome change and a paradigm shift towards transforming the entire Filipino Nation under a Government of Utmost Transparency and Good Governance , of Selfless Dedication and Service to the Filipino People . God is calling upon Righteous Men and Women to Rise Up and Heed to this Crusade of Good Governance . What was once an impossible dream is now being transformed into reality . And we have our Almighty God to thank for all these great and wonderful things that are now happening . After all , it was He who said , " Behold , I am the LORD , the God of all flesh : is there any thing too hard for Me ?" JEREMIAH 32:27 And yes , indeed , Nothing is too difficult for God to do .
During the past months , many politicians were checked and rendered immobile in their corrupt practices in our country . This therefore triggered a lot of attempts on the part of these crooked and corrupt officials to remove the incumbent governor from his office. At this point in time , we Capampangans Must Persevere And Do With Everything In Our Power to Fight The Good Fight And Move Forward Towards Defending And Preserving This Noble Crusade that we have started in our province .
Mayor Hagedorn , the good and dedicated mayor of Puerto Prinsesa , Palawan , have said , " We can have hope if all the leaders of the land will be like Among Governor Panlilio in seriously practicing Good Governance ". And former Senator Franklin Drilon has stated that Among Governor Ed must not fail because he is a symbol of hope for all Filipinos .
Indeed , we Capampangans , in Unity with our Filipino brothers , Must Not Fail . We Have It In Our God-given Resources And Power as a People that It is Only Through Good Governance That We Can Achieve Our Pre-Eminence And Seat as a Leader And Model Nation in the Community Of Nations .
A good majority of Filipinos are saying that their only hope for a better life is to find work and employment in other countries . My question is : If those people living in developed countries are enjoying life because they are free from corruption, can we not enjoy the same good life in our own country under the Principle And System of Good Governance ?
We Really Need to Declare an Open War Against Graft and Corruption , especially against corrupt politicians because they are the Culprits , the very source of our people's grave poverty and miserable living conditions in our nation . These Crooked , Corrupt, Traditional Politicians are the Destroyers Of Our Children's Future .
Indeed , it is very frustrating and hellish to live in a country with corrupt leaders . We must put our trust only in good and benevolent leaders like Among Governor Panlilio and Kaya Natin members-Governor Grace Padaca and those who are with them in this advocacy and system of Good Governance.
Our Esteemed Hero, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino fought and died for Justice and Good Governance. Many Filipinos as well risked their lives in the 1986 Edsa Revolution. Why is it , then , that our situation turned out for the worse ? It is all because Graft and Corruption in our country continued to exist, flourish and remained unchecked , unchallenged and unstopped . . . until now .
The way I see it , the kind of Good Governance that the Capampangans have started will surely bring Bright Future for our country because it Co-Exist with Responsible Citizenship. When former president Cory Aquino and her successors held the presidential office, they , as well as their officials , took advantage of their positions and concentrated on how they can amass ill-gotten wealth from the nation's treasury and resources .
The Good Governance that is now being advocated simply refers to the entire Filipino Citizenry's Involvement and Responsiveness To the Affairs Of Government in their daily lives. One or a few Leaders Cannot make Good Governance a Reality . But if the Filipino citizenry Will Rise Up As One In Support of this Noble Crusade , then the Dream for Our Nation's Bright Future that we have for many years been longing for will become a Wonderful Reality .
Together with our Governor Eddie Panlilio , we should be Vigilant in Fighting Graft and Corruption in government . We all , As individuals , Are Responsible. Each time we look on our pay slips or tax payment receipts , and each time that taxes are charged from all items that we buy , it is only right that we must think of our responsibility and involvement in the affairs of government , to check and ensure that our hard earned tax money is not pocketed by greedy and corrupt politicians as well as government officials and employees .
NOW is Our Time To Rise Up and Move Forward As a Nation Under God and HIS Banner Of Righteousness , to March On And Fight For Good Governance , and to Fight The Good Fight Against Graft And Corruption in government . Every Second , Every Minute and Every Hour Of Each Day Counts . We Cannot Afford to hesitate , to stop nor to turn back even for a brief moment , for we may not have a Second Chance to Turn Into Reality Our Nation's Bright Future .
God Bless Our Beloved Country , the Philippines !
(Thanks to Joseroman Laquian for his wonderful contributions?
Friday, September 12, 2008
CAPITOL PRESS RELEASE
Republic of the Philippines
Province of Pampanga
Office of the Governor
PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE
Capitol Compound, City of San Fernando , Pampanga
Telefax: (045) 961-0917 Email: pio@pampangacapitol.com
Province of Pampanga
Office of the Governor
PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE
Capitol Compound, City of San Fernando , Pampanga
Telefax: (045) 961-0917 Email: pio@pampangacapitol.com
11 September 2008
PRESS RELEASE
Gov. Panlilio arrives after a successful trip
Provincial Capitol, Pampanga. – After a whirlwind three-day speaking engagement in Los Angeles , California , Gov. Eddie T. Panlilio arrived in the Philippines Tuesday night, September 09, 2008.
PRESS RELEASE
Gov. Panlilio arrives after a successful trip
Provincial Capitol, Pampanga. – After a whirlwind three-day speaking engagement in Los Angeles , California , Gov. Eddie T. Panlilio arrived in the Philippines Tuesday night, September 09, 2008.
"I am overwhelmed by how updated the Filipinos and Kapampangans are on the current events and issues surrounding our governance," the Governor said. "It not only stresses the fact that technology has made our world smaller, but also the fact that we must work double time in improving our service, for we are also under the scrutiny of our cabalens who are experiencing good governance in their adopted countries."
Gov. Panlilio gave speeches of encouragement to the different Fil-Am groups, but the open fora that followed were marked mostly on questions regarding present Pampanga issues.
Filipino leaders were thankful for being given the opportunity to listen to the Governor amidst the various news they have been receiving for the past few months.
Filipino leaders were thankful for being given the opportunity to listen to the Governor amidst the various news they have been receiving for the past few months.
Among the groups who had a dialogue with the Governor were the Club Minalin, the United Pampanga Leaders Council, the Pampanga Day Celebration Commission USA, and the Pampangan Crusaders USA (PamagCUSA), which celebrated its first anniversary last Saturday, as well as other Fil-Am organizations who expressed solidarity with the crusade for good governance
"We have grown accustomed to the American way of giving everyone a chance to air their sides," Alvin Ayusa, a PamagCUSA convenor said, "we see Gov. Panlilio as the face of good governance, while we acknowledge the need for greater reform in the matter of governance”.
For his part, another PamagCUSA convenor, Ram Pineda remarked that "thebackground of the current electoral process is a specific instance where we are afforded the chance to listen to everyone as we believe that this is the best way to reach an informed decision”.
"Our position will always be consistent, we are advocates of responsible citizenship in Pampanga, and this goes hand in hand with good governance," Pineda added. "Our experience of a healthy democracy, more specifically in the debate of issues we are witnessing in the current presidential race here in the US , is a paradigm that we hope our fellow Kapampangans will indigenize."
Gov. Panlilio was briefed on the current activities of the different Filipino and Kapampangan organizations in California , specifically on their advocacies on health and education for the province. "There must be a greater and tighter linkage between the Fil-Am organizations and civil society groups in Pampanga," Gov. Panlilio said. "Each can learn and benefit from each other, so that ultimately, the interest of the Kapampangans will be promoted."
His visit was capped by his attendance last September 7, 2008 to the Second Coronation of the Virgen de los Remedios and the homage to the Sto. Cristo Del Perdon in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, where 2,500 devotees came to celebrate the traditional occasion with him. In his homily, Bishop Pablo David expounded on the forgiveness and charity that grows out of the devotion to the Lady.
Before his flight back home, Gov. Panlilio gave a courtesy call to Consul General Mary Jo Aragon at the Philippine Consulate. /PIO
Before his flight back home, Gov. Panlilio gave a courtesy call to Consul General Mary Jo Aragon at the Philippine Consulate. /PIO
Saan Ang Ugat Ng Mga Katiwalian Sa Ating Pamahalaan?
by CARLOS M. CASTRO
Mga Kabalen, ipagpaumanhin po ninyo ang sasabihin ko. Kahit po ano paang gawin natin hindi na natin mapipigil ang corruption sa ating bansa. Hindi sa nawawalan na ako ng pag-asa at tiwala sa mga nanunungkulan sa ating pamahalaan. Dapat po nating harapin ang katotohanan at tanggapin ang ugat ng katiwalian sa ating bansa upangito ay ating malunasan.Sa aking palagay ang ugat ng katiwalian ay ang ating halalan naginaganap tuwing ikatlong taon. Tingnan po natin ang mga bagay na ito:
1. Masyadong madalas ang ating eleksyon. Sa isang bagong halal na opisyal, lalo na isang walang karanasan –tulad ni Among Ed - angunang taon niya ay puro pag-aaral at re-organization lamang ang nagagawa niya. Dahil sa re-organization maraming mga intriga atproblema siyang haharapin sa pagpili ng mga taong makakasama niya. Angmga dating empleyado ang nagkakaroon ng sense of insecurity. Anglalong mabigat ay ang kanyang pakikitungo sa mga ibang halal naopisyal na kalaban niya sa pulitika. Ang mga tumulong sa kanya sa eleksyon ay problema din sapagka't lahat ay may vested interest atgusto ring magkaroon ng puwesto o mapagkakitaan. Pag-aaralan din niyaang mga programa ng dating nanungkulan – kung ito ba ay ititigil niya,ipagpapatuloy o babaguhin. Ang magandang halimbawa ay ang nangyayari sa ating Kapitolyo – kay Among Ed. Marami sa kanyang mga kritiko ang nagsasabi na wala siyang nagawa sa loob ng isang taon. Kung totoo manito, dahil na rin sa mga problemang kanyang hinarap.
2. Sa pangalawang taon, doon pa lamang siya magsisimulang mag-implement ng kanyang mga programa o plano. Doon pa lamang niya malalaman ang mga pasikut-sikut sa pakikitungo sa ating national government at paghingi ng mga proyekto sa mga Department Heads,Congressmen at Senators at pagkakaroon ng "connection" sa mga matataas na opisyal ng ating national government. Doon pa lamang niya matututunan ang maraming batas sa administration, finance, at mga technical na gawain. Marami sa mga pumapasok sa pulitika ang walangkaalam-alam sa Local Government Code. Kaya sila ay nangangapa sa umpisa.
3. Sa pangatlong taon, bubulabugin na siya ng kanyang mga liders. Eleksiyon na! Magsisimula na siyang guluhin ng kanyang mga kalaban sa pulitika at magsisimula na niyang ituon ang kanyang hangarin na mare-elect siya. Hindi kasya ang 45 days sa pangagampanya, kaya isang taon bago mag-eleksyon ay nagsisimula na siyang mangampanyang muli.Diyan din magsisimula ang mga paninira sa kanya ng mga may nais napumalit sa kanya. (Tingnan niyo ang mga kalaban ni Among Ed. Di sila makapaghintay. Gusto na nilang magkaroon ng eleksyon ulit! Di pa mannangangalahati ang tatlong taon. Ang tindi talaga. Sobra ang pulitika sa atin sapagkat napakaiksi nang pagitan ng mga eleksyon. Wala ka pang nagagawa halalan na naman.)
4. Sa madaling salita, isang taon lang ang masasabi nating nagagamit sa epektibong pamamahala. Anong maasahan mong magagawa ng isang baguhang opisyal sa loob ng isang taon lamang? Kaya mabagal ang pag-unlad sa ating bayan. Hindi ba puwedeng dagdagan nang kahit isang taon man lang para maging apat na taon ulit?
5. Ngayon, ito ang matindi. Ang isang baguhang kandidato, upang makasiguro ng panalo, kailangang malayo pa ang eleksyon ay "magtanim"na siya. Ibig sabihin "gumasta" na siya para mapalapit siya at makilala ng mga tao. Lahat ng piesta pupuntahan niya, magpapainom siya, magbibigay ng contribution, papremyo, banda ng musiko, etc. Malaki ang nagagasta nang isang baguhang kandidato at ito'y galing lahat sa sariling bulsa. Sa isang maliit na bayan, sa tingin ko,pinakamaliit na ang limang milyong piso ang gagastusin nang isangbaguhang kandidatong mayor para siya makasiguro nang panalo. Kaya hindi nakapagtataka kung bakit ang mga may pera lamang ang nananalo saeleksyon. Iyong mga walang pera kahit na qualified, dead ball, walang chance. (Milagro ang nangyari kay Among Ed. Exception to the rule, ika nga. Nanalo nga siya, pero tingnan naman natin ang nangyayari sakanya ngayon. Naniningil na ang mga tumulong sa kanya na hindi niyanagantihan o natulungan. Akala ko pa naman ay natuto na tayo. Hindi papala. Nakakalungkot. )
6. Limang Milyong Piso! Wow! Bakit siya gagastos ng ganoong kalaki?Simple lang. Sa pamimili ng boto, sa mga propaganda materials, sa mga watchers, mga pakain, mga meetings at miting de avance, mga lidersna laging humihingi ng pangastos, sa transportasyon at gasolina, mga nagsasamantala tuwing eleksiyon, iyong mga hindi boboto sa iyo kung hindi mo sila babayaran, marami pang iba. Wew! Grabe! Magkano baang allowed ng Comelec na dapat gastusin ng isang kandidato bawat botante? P10.00 lang yata. Nasusunod ba iyon? Pag sinunod mo iyon ng buong katapatan, mananalo ka ba? Imposible. Di ba? Ay naku! Waepek ang batas na ito.
7. Heto pa. Magkano lang ba ang suweldo ng isang Mayor? Malaki na angP30,000.00 sa isang buwan. Sa loob ng isang taon, P360,000.00 lamangat sa loob ng tatlong taon, P1,080,000.00 lamang. Lugi pa siya nangP3,920,000.00! Paano niya mababawi ito? Paano?
8. Hindi lang iyon ang nagagastos niya. Kapag naka-upo na siya, halos linggo-linggo nag-aanak silang mag-asawa sa kasal. Bilang mayor, dapat may sasakyan siya, may bodyguard, laging nagbibiyahe sa Maynila sapag-follow-up ng mga projects. Marami siyang bisita lagi sa bahay, mgaliders, at mga tiga-gubierno. Siyempre bilang mayor tataas ng kontiang lifestyle. Di ba? Ano, poor? Tuwing darating siya sa municipyonakapila na ang humihingi ng pambili ng bigas, gamot, pati pambayad ng koriyente sa bahay, hindi mailabas ang maysakit sa hospital, at marami pang iba. May nagsasabi na mas magastos pa raw kapag naka-upo ka nakaysa sa panahon ng eleksyon. Aray ko po! Kung ganoon, kaawa-awangmayor, saan niya kukunin lahat ito? Abunado pa siya sa suweldo niya.
9. Saan nga ba? Hindi ko alam kung totoo ito. Narinig ko lang napinag-uusapan ng iba. Sa jueting daw, illegal gambling, sa mgaporsiyento sa mga projects galing sa mga contractors, mga "lagay" parasa approval ng mga permits, mga "goose projects", over-pricing ng mgapurchases, binubulsa ang mga collections sa palengke (sa quarry?), mgapaabot na galing kung saan-saan, at marami pang iba. Ayon! Maramipalang pinagkukunan. Kaya pala may nagsasabi na malaking negosyo anggubiyerno.
10. Hindi ba bawal iyon? Hindi ba ang mga iyon ay corruption? "Oo. Pero, anong magagawa ko? Kung hindi ko gagawin iyon, saan ako kukuhang perang gagastusin ko? Paano ko mababawi ang mga ginastos sanakaraang eleksiyon at saan ko kukunin ang gagastusin sa darating naeleksiyon? Ano ako, baliw? Alangan namang sa sariling bulsa ko lagimangagaling ang mga ginagasta ko. Naglilingkod na nga ako, gusto paninyo mag-abono ako? Aba, hindi ba kalokohan iyon? Mangungurakot manako, sinusuka ko rin naman ito tuwing eleksiyon, di ba? Puwera sanangyaring milagro kay Among Ed, mananalo ba ako kung hindi akomamimili ng boto?" Iyan po ang katuwiran ng maraming trapongpulitiko. Tama o mali? Isa pa: "Padre, wala pa akong nakikitang natutupad mo sa mga pangako mo sa eleksyon ah." Sagot ng pulitiko ay ito: "Pangako? Huwang mong intintidihin iyon. Mag-ipon muna ako ng pera, total binibili lang naman ang mga iyan. Kahit na anongkabutihan ang gawin mo, kung wala kang pera sa eleksyon ibabasura kalang ng mga iyan." Ah? Ganoon ba? Aray ko po!!! Kawawang bayan ko,kailan ka kaya uunlad? 11. Ngayon, ang tanong: Saan ang ugat ng mga katiwalian?
(a) Isipinna lang, isa kang mayor – nasa iyo lahat ang problema nang buongbayan, at hindi ka mahahalal kung di gagasta ng malaking pera(mamumuhunan ka muna), pagkatapos ang suweldo mo kada buwan P30,000.00lang. Daig ka pa ng isang ordinaryong manager sa isang pribadongkumpanya. Anong ibig ipahiwatig nito? Mangurakot ka para mapagkasyamo ang suweldo mo. Di ba?
(b) Bakit gumagastos ng malaki ang mgakandidato? Tayong mga botante mismo ang nagbubungsod sa kanila. Paanopag nabalitaan nating kakandidato ang isang tao, malayo pa ang halalanpanay na ang hingi natin sa kanya ng pera, mga kontribusyon sa piesta,sayawan, mga palaro – uniform, T-shirts, bola, pagpapagawa ngartesian wells, scholarships, painom dito painom doon, at kung anu-anopa. Pagdating ng araw ng eleksyon, hihingi pa tayo ng pamasahe paramaka-uwi. Yari ka, pag di ka nagbigay!
(c) Pagkatapos ng eleksyon,manalo ka man o matalo, baon ka na sa utang sa pera at sa utang naloob sa mga tumulong saiyo. Problema: paano mo ngayon mababayaran angmga utang mo? Nandiyan na ang mga naniningil na printers, soundsystem, sasakyan na inarkila, mga "beer" at kape na inutang satindahan nang hindi mo alam, etc, etc. Ayyyy, naku!
12. Ano ang dapat gawin ng isang magiting na opisyal na nangako ng good governance tulad ni Among Ed? Kapag sumunod ka sa batas, lalo nasa mga COA regulations, matagal bago ka makapagsimula at marami angmagagalit sa iyo. Sasabihin nila masyado kang mahigpit. If you don'twant to compromise your principles and conviction at gusto mongsumunod sa batas, hindi ka raw "cut out" para maging opisyal nanggobyerno. Dapat daw sa simbahan ka na lang maglingkod.
13. Kaya, kaibigan, kung ayaw mong madungisan, mag-isip-isip ka bagoka tumalon sa maputik na balon ng pulitika. Kapag nagmalinis ka,mamumulubi ka. Kapag nangurakut ka naman, nandiyan na sa likod mo angmga tinalo mo, laging nakabantay saiyo para isumbong ka sa COA,Ombudsman at Sandiganbayan. Baka sa kalaboso ka pa pupulutin. Sabinang batas, bawal ang magpayaman sa paglilingkod sa gubiyerno. Kayapag-upo mo palang, mag-file ka muna ng Statement of Assets andLiabilities mo. Taon-taon tinitingnan nila ito. Kapag lumalaki angnetworth mo nang sobra sa puwede mong bilhin sa suweldo mo – nandiyanna ang "lifestyle check" - you are enriching yourself at the expenseof the government. Sabi ng kaibigan ko: "Ay naku, wala iyan. Huwag kalang pahuli. Kapag nahuli ka, maglagay ka lang ok na." Panginoon,maawa po kayo sa amin.
14. Ang nakapagtataka ay ito: Bakit sa kabila nang lahat ng ito,nagpapakamatay at handang pumatay ang ibang mga pulitiko manatililamang sila sa puwesto? Kapag nakatikim ng kapangyarihan, ayaw nangumalis. Kapag natapos na ang third term, susunod ang asawa, tapos anganak, tapos siya na naman. Bakit kaya? ....... Ano? "May malakingpera sa gubyerno!" Ano? MAY PERA SA PANGUNGURAKOT! !! Tse! Bahala ka.
15. "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, YOUR KINGDOM COME,YOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN…." Lord, when will good governance triumph in our government? Iyon pong sinugo ninyo salalawigan namin to exemplify good governance, they want to crucifyhim! Amen.
Mga Kabalen, ipagpaumanhin po ninyo ang sasabihin ko. Kahit po ano paang gawin natin hindi na natin mapipigil ang corruption sa ating bansa. Hindi sa nawawalan na ako ng pag-asa at tiwala sa mga nanunungkulan sa ating pamahalaan. Dapat po nating harapin ang katotohanan at tanggapin ang ugat ng katiwalian sa ating bansa upangito ay ating malunasan.Sa aking palagay ang ugat ng katiwalian ay ang ating halalan naginaganap tuwing ikatlong taon. Tingnan po natin ang mga bagay na ito:
1. Masyadong madalas ang ating eleksyon. Sa isang bagong halal na opisyal, lalo na isang walang karanasan –tulad ni Among Ed - angunang taon niya ay puro pag-aaral at re-organization lamang ang nagagawa niya. Dahil sa re-organization maraming mga intriga atproblema siyang haharapin sa pagpili ng mga taong makakasama niya. Angmga dating empleyado ang nagkakaroon ng sense of insecurity. Anglalong mabigat ay ang kanyang pakikitungo sa mga ibang halal naopisyal na kalaban niya sa pulitika. Ang mga tumulong sa kanya sa eleksyon ay problema din sapagka't lahat ay may vested interest atgusto ring magkaroon ng puwesto o mapagkakitaan. Pag-aaralan din niyaang mga programa ng dating nanungkulan – kung ito ba ay ititigil niya,ipagpapatuloy o babaguhin. Ang magandang halimbawa ay ang nangyayari sa ating Kapitolyo – kay Among Ed. Marami sa kanyang mga kritiko ang nagsasabi na wala siyang nagawa sa loob ng isang taon. Kung totoo manito, dahil na rin sa mga problemang kanyang hinarap.
2. Sa pangalawang taon, doon pa lamang siya magsisimulang mag-implement ng kanyang mga programa o plano. Doon pa lamang niya malalaman ang mga pasikut-sikut sa pakikitungo sa ating national government at paghingi ng mga proyekto sa mga Department Heads,Congressmen at Senators at pagkakaroon ng "connection" sa mga matataas na opisyal ng ating national government. Doon pa lamang niya matututunan ang maraming batas sa administration, finance, at mga technical na gawain. Marami sa mga pumapasok sa pulitika ang walangkaalam-alam sa Local Government Code. Kaya sila ay nangangapa sa umpisa.
3. Sa pangatlong taon, bubulabugin na siya ng kanyang mga liders. Eleksiyon na! Magsisimula na siyang guluhin ng kanyang mga kalaban sa pulitika at magsisimula na niyang ituon ang kanyang hangarin na mare-elect siya. Hindi kasya ang 45 days sa pangagampanya, kaya isang taon bago mag-eleksyon ay nagsisimula na siyang mangampanyang muli.Diyan din magsisimula ang mga paninira sa kanya ng mga may nais napumalit sa kanya. (Tingnan niyo ang mga kalaban ni Among Ed. Di sila makapaghintay. Gusto na nilang magkaroon ng eleksyon ulit! Di pa mannangangalahati ang tatlong taon. Ang tindi talaga. Sobra ang pulitika sa atin sapagkat napakaiksi nang pagitan ng mga eleksyon. Wala ka pang nagagawa halalan na naman.)
4. Sa madaling salita, isang taon lang ang masasabi nating nagagamit sa epektibong pamamahala. Anong maasahan mong magagawa ng isang baguhang opisyal sa loob ng isang taon lamang? Kaya mabagal ang pag-unlad sa ating bayan. Hindi ba puwedeng dagdagan nang kahit isang taon man lang para maging apat na taon ulit?
5. Ngayon, ito ang matindi. Ang isang baguhang kandidato, upang makasiguro ng panalo, kailangang malayo pa ang eleksyon ay "magtanim"na siya. Ibig sabihin "gumasta" na siya para mapalapit siya at makilala ng mga tao. Lahat ng piesta pupuntahan niya, magpapainom siya, magbibigay ng contribution, papremyo, banda ng musiko, etc. Malaki ang nagagasta nang isang baguhang kandidato at ito'y galing lahat sa sariling bulsa. Sa isang maliit na bayan, sa tingin ko,pinakamaliit na ang limang milyong piso ang gagastusin nang isangbaguhang kandidatong mayor para siya makasiguro nang panalo. Kaya hindi nakapagtataka kung bakit ang mga may pera lamang ang nananalo saeleksyon. Iyong mga walang pera kahit na qualified, dead ball, walang chance. (Milagro ang nangyari kay Among Ed. Exception to the rule, ika nga. Nanalo nga siya, pero tingnan naman natin ang nangyayari sakanya ngayon. Naniningil na ang mga tumulong sa kanya na hindi niyanagantihan o natulungan. Akala ko pa naman ay natuto na tayo. Hindi papala. Nakakalungkot. )
6. Limang Milyong Piso! Wow! Bakit siya gagastos ng ganoong kalaki?Simple lang. Sa pamimili ng boto, sa mga propaganda materials, sa mga watchers, mga pakain, mga meetings at miting de avance, mga lidersna laging humihingi ng pangastos, sa transportasyon at gasolina, mga nagsasamantala tuwing eleksiyon, iyong mga hindi boboto sa iyo kung hindi mo sila babayaran, marami pang iba. Wew! Grabe! Magkano baang allowed ng Comelec na dapat gastusin ng isang kandidato bawat botante? P10.00 lang yata. Nasusunod ba iyon? Pag sinunod mo iyon ng buong katapatan, mananalo ka ba? Imposible. Di ba? Ay naku! Waepek ang batas na ito.
7. Heto pa. Magkano lang ba ang suweldo ng isang Mayor? Malaki na angP30,000.00 sa isang buwan. Sa loob ng isang taon, P360,000.00 lamangat sa loob ng tatlong taon, P1,080,000.00 lamang. Lugi pa siya nangP3,920,000.00! Paano niya mababawi ito? Paano?
8. Hindi lang iyon ang nagagastos niya. Kapag naka-upo na siya, halos linggo-linggo nag-aanak silang mag-asawa sa kasal. Bilang mayor, dapat may sasakyan siya, may bodyguard, laging nagbibiyahe sa Maynila sapag-follow-up ng mga projects. Marami siyang bisita lagi sa bahay, mgaliders, at mga tiga-gubierno. Siyempre bilang mayor tataas ng kontiang lifestyle. Di ba? Ano, poor? Tuwing darating siya sa municipyonakapila na ang humihingi ng pambili ng bigas, gamot, pati pambayad ng koriyente sa bahay, hindi mailabas ang maysakit sa hospital, at marami pang iba. May nagsasabi na mas magastos pa raw kapag naka-upo ka nakaysa sa panahon ng eleksyon. Aray ko po! Kung ganoon, kaawa-awangmayor, saan niya kukunin lahat ito? Abunado pa siya sa suweldo niya.
9. Saan nga ba? Hindi ko alam kung totoo ito. Narinig ko lang napinag-uusapan ng iba. Sa jueting daw, illegal gambling, sa mgaporsiyento sa mga projects galing sa mga contractors, mga "lagay" parasa approval ng mga permits, mga "goose projects", over-pricing ng mgapurchases, binubulsa ang mga collections sa palengke (sa quarry?), mgapaabot na galing kung saan-saan, at marami pang iba. Ayon! Maramipalang pinagkukunan. Kaya pala may nagsasabi na malaking negosyo anggubiyerno.
10. Hindi ba bawal iyon? Hindi ba ang mga iyon ay corruption? "Oo. Pero, anong magagawa ko? Kung hindi ko gagawin iyon, saan ako kukuhang perang gagastusin ko? Paano ko mababawi ang mga ginastos sanakaraang eleksiyon at saan ko kukunin ang gagastusin sa darating naeleksiyon? Ano ako, baliw? Alangan namang sa sariling bulsa ko lagimangagaling ang mga ginagasta ko. Naglilingkod na nga ako, gusto paninyo mag-abono ako? Aba, hindi ba kalokohan iyon? Mangungurakot manako, sinusuka ko rin naman ito tuwing eleksiyon, di ba? Puwera sanangyaring milagro kay Among Ed, mananalo ba ako kung hindi akomamimili ng boto?" Iyan po ang katuwiran ng maraming trapongpulitiko. Tama o mali? Isa pa: "Padre, wala pa akong nakikitang natutupad mo sa mga pangako mo sa eleksyon ah." Sagot ng pulitiko ay ito: "Pangako? Huwang mong intintidihin iyon. Mag-ipon muna ako ng pera, total binibili lang naman ang mga iyan. Kahit na anongkabutihan ang gawin mo, kung wala kang pera sa eleksyon ibabasura kalang ng mga iyan." Ah? Ganoon ba? Aray ko po!!! Kawawang bayan ko,kailan ka kaya uunlad? 11. Ngayon, ang tanong: Saan ang ugat ng mga katiwalian?
(a) Isipinna lang, isa kang mayor – nasa iyo lahat ang problema nang buongbayan, at hindi ka mahahalal kung di gagasta ng malaking pera(mamumuhunan ka muna), pagkatapos ang suweldo mo kada buwan P30,000.00lang. Daig ka pa ng isang ordinaryong manager sa isang pribadongkumpanya. Anong ibig ipahiwatig nito? Mangurakot ka para mapagkasyamo ang suweldo mo. Di ba?
(b) Bakit gumagastos ng malaki ang mgakandidato? Tayong mga botante mismo ang nagbubungsod sa kanila. Paanopag nabalitaan nating kakandidato ang isang tao, malayo pa ang halalanpanay na ang hingi natin sa kanya ng pera, mga kontribusyon sa piesta,sayawan, mga palaro – uniform, T-shirts, bola, pagpapagawa ngartesian wells, scholarships, painom dito painom doon, at kung anu-anopa. Pagdating ng araw ng eleksyon, hihingi pa tayo ng pamasahe paramaka-uwi. Yari ka, pag di ka nagbigay!
(c) Pagkatapos ng eleksyon,manalo ka man o matalo, baon ka na sa utang sa pera at sa utang naloob sa mga tumulong saiyo. Problema: paano mo ngayon mababayaran angmga utang mo? Nandiyan na ang mga naniningil na printers, soundsystem, sasakyan na inarkila, mga "beer" at kape na inutang satindahan nang hindi mo alam, etc, etc. Ayyyy, naku!
12. Ano ang dapat gawin ng isang magiting na opisyal na nangako ng good governance tulad ni Among Ed? Kapag sumunod ka sa batas, lalo nasa mga COA regulations, matagal bago ka makapagsimula at marami angmagagalit sa iyo. Sasabihin nila masyado kang mahigpit. If you don'twant to compromise your principles and conviction at gusto mongsumunod sa batas, hindi ka raw "cut out" para maging opisyal nanggobyerno. Dapat daw sa simbahan ka na lang maglingkod.
13. Kaya, kaibigan, kung ayaw mong madungisan, mag-isip-isip ka bagoka tumalon sa maputik na balon ng pulitika. Kapag nagmalinis ka,mamumulubi ka. Kapag nangurakut ka naman, nandiyan na sa likod mo angmga tinalo mo, laging nakabantay saiyo para isumbong ka sa COA,Ombudsman at Sandiganbayan. Baka sa kalaboso ka pa pupulutin. Sabinang batas, bawal ang magpayaman sa paglilingkod sa gubiyerno. Kayapag-upo mo palang, mag-file ka muna ng Statement of Assets andLiabilities mo. Taon-taon tinitingnan nila ito. Kapag lumalaki angnetworth mo nang sobra sa puwede mong bilhin sa suweldo mo – nandiyanna ang "lifestyle check" - you are enriching yourself at the expenseof the government. Sabi ng kaibigan ko: "Ay naku, wala iyan. Huwag kalang pahuli. Kapag nahuli ka, maglagay ka lang ok na." Panginoon,maawa po kayo sa amin.
14. Ang nakapagtataka ay ito: Bakit sa kabila nang lahat ng ito,nagpapakamatay at handang pumatay ang ibang mga pulitiko manatililamang sila sa puwesto? Kapag nakatikim ng kapangyarihan, ayaw nangumalis. Kapag natapos na ang third term, susunod ang asawa, tapos anganak, tapos siya na naman. Bakit kaya? ....... Ano? "May malakingpera sa gubyerno!" Ano? MAY PERA SA PANGUNGURAKOT! !! Tse! Bahala ka.
15. "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, YOUR KINGDOM COME,YOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN…." Lord, when will good governance triumph in our government? Iyon pong sinugo ninyo salalawigan namin to exemplify good governance, they want to crucifyhim! Amen.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
The people's darling always
By Ram Mercado
First Person
THE recall fever, which has afflicted not only a few cabalen, remains at a tolerable 39º Celsius.
News that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has barely enough funds (P5 million) for the purpose that according to Governor Panlilio's lawyers was estimated to cost about P50 million for the exercise, created a sobering effect on the recall would-be supporters.
In the face of this monstrous funding obstacle, local residents have been discouraged somewhat. They are now adopting an apathetic wait-and-see stance after the news reports doused cold water on the initiative. The fever is noticeably subsiding despite the continued signature campaign.
Malacañang can easily direct the budget department to cause the release of the recall fund as might be needed. But it is a far shot that President Arroyo will join the local political rumble and antagonize the majority of Pampanga residents who oppose the recall move.
She may be tempted to throw Panlilio into the lions' den but her sense of history will deter her from sweet revenge. Her late father, President Diosdado Macapagal, found himself in the heartbreaking situation when very few Pampangos attended public meetings where he was a guest and speaker merely because of his failed "kadwang apag" vision for his province.
Where before the jubilant cabalen burst into frenzied applause and passionate display of admiration for his brilliance, his later crowd remained impassive and quiet when the former president was campaigning for Liberal Party candidates here or to promote a (Marcos) charter change. Pampangos felt a horrendous letdown with his unfulfilled promises.
How would Madame Gloria take a probable cold reception from Pampangos when she visits her adopted province in her post-presidency? This is a futuristic scenario in the aftermath of a possible perception by her cabalen that she had a hand in putting the Among Gob out of office when she was president.
Today she is the darling of her loving and affectionate cabalen as her father was their idol before his "fall." It is a fact that while Panlilio has been reviled, insulted, and lashed for his certain official and personal faults, he has been elected to office by so many thousands of hopeful residents. These come largely from the Catholic faithful who want him to go his full term and oppose an induced abortion after a year.
They are the same people who had put their trust in the maverick priest, mostly the unshod multitude who holds the governor in unquestioning faith.
"Bayu ya pang mitanam, lalaputan da ne, e re buring mamunga," this is the way a small farmer puts it. Paten me ing tanaman due to "loss of confidence."
I am sure the President can feel the pulse of the people in her province. She has too brilliant a mind to ignore the clear reality of the wide acceptance of the people for Panlilio. She is too smart to gloss over the future consequences of any act of persecution to the priest-turned- governor.
With her vast powers, she can smite Panlilio in one stroke, and that's the end of it. Through her legal dragons, Panlilio may not last very long in office should the Palace will it.
If the butcher's maxim is true that there are nine ways of killing a cat, PGMA's people can reinvent a 10th method to skin Panlilio to kingdom come. This would be a man-made disaster after Mt. Pinatubo.
The recall proponents and Panlilio's enemies are now wishing Malacañang will soon intervene to eradicate the pestering problem of a stubborn reformer. This is their only option after realizing little support and encouragement from the masses for his recall. As in a dream fulfillment, the anti-Panlilio forces, most of them Palace allies, would want her to be the convenient "executioner. "
There are genuine allies of the President in Pampanga who truly love her and are concerned of her place in future history. They object to her petty engagement in local politics and advised her against a patently anti-people move.
The loyal advisers of the President want to see the day when Mrs. Arroyo as former president will still be passionately welcomed and lionized by her adoring throng of admirers, with her feeling the same warm love and deep affection that they hold her today.
They want her to remember a costly lesson from her father's experience in the past, and hope that Pampangos, the majority of them Catholic supporters of Among Ed, will flock in droves to meet and embrace her, and in single voice still shout "GMA! GMA! "That, however, would not happen if thousands of Catholic Pampangos who support and believe Among Ed, perceive any act of government-sponsore d harassment or persecution by Malacañang on the stout-hearted and hard-headed man they elected governor.
First Person
THE recall fever, which has afflicted not only a few cabalen, remains at a tolerable 39º Celsius.
News that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has barely enough funds (P5 million) for the purpose that according to Governor Panlilio's lawyers was estimated to cost about P50 million for the exercise, created a sobering effect on the recall would-be supporters.
In the face of this monstrous funding obstacle, local residents have been discouraged somewhat. They are now adopting an apathetic wait-and-see stance after the news reports doused cold water on the initiative. The fever is noticeably subsiding despite the continued signature campaign.
Malacañang can easily direct the budget department to cause the release of the recall fund as might be needed. But it is a far shot that President Arroyo will join the local political rumble and antagonize the majority of Pampanga residents who oppose the recall move.
She may be tempted to throw Panlilio into the lions' den but her sense of history will deter her from sweet revenge. Her late father, President Diosdado Macapagal, found himself in the heartbreaking situation when very few Pampangos attended public meetings where he was a guest and speaker merely because of his failed "kadwang apag" vision for his province.
Where before the jubilant cabalen burst into frenzied applause and passionate display of admiration for his brilliance, his later crowd remained impassive and quiet when the former president was campaigning for Liberal Party candidates here or to promote a (Marcos) charter change. Pampangos felt a horrendous letdown with his unfulfilled promises.
How would Madame Gloria take a probable cold reception from Pampangos when she visits her adopted province in her post-presidency? This is a futuristic scenario in the aftermath of a possible perception by her cabalen that she had a hand in putting the Among Gob out of office when she was president.
Today she is the darling of her loving and affectionate cabalen as her father was their idol before his "fall." It is a fact that while Panlilio has been reviled, insulted, and lashed for his certain official and personal faults, he has been elected to office by so many thousands of hopeful residents. These come largely from the Catholic faithful who want him to go his full term and oppose an induced abortion after a year.
They are the same people who had put their trust in the maverick priest, mostly the unshod multitude who holds the governor in unquestioning faith.
"Bayu ya pang mitanam, lalaputan da ne, e re buring mamunga," this is the way a small farmer puts it. Paten me ing tanaman due to "loss of confidence."
I am sure the President can feel the pulse of the people in her province. She has too brilliant a mind to ignore the clear reality of the wide acceptance of the people for Panlilio. She is too smart to gloss over the future consequences of any act of persecution to the priest-turned- governor.
With her vast powers, she can smite Panlilio in one stroke, and that's the end of it. Through her legal dragons, Panlilio may not last very long in office should the Palace will it.
If the butcher's maxim is true that there are nine ways of killing a cat, PGMA's people can reinvent a 10th method to skin Panlilio to kingdom come. This would be a man-made disaster after Mt. Pinatubo.
The recall proponents and Panlilio's enemies are now wishing Malacañang will soon intervene to eradicate the pestering problem of a stubborn reformer. This is their only option after realizing little support and encouragement from the masses for his recall. As in a dream fulfillment, the anti-Panlilio forces, most of them Palace allies, would want her to be the convenient "executioner. "
There are genuine allies of the President in Pampanga who truly love her and are concerned of her place in future history. They object to her petty engagement in local politics and advised her against a patently anti-people move.
The loyal advisers of the President want to see the day when Mrs. Arroyo as former president will still be passionately welcomed and lionized by her adoring throng of admirers, with her feeling the same warm love and deep affection that they hold her today.
They want her to remember a costly lesson from her father's experience in the past, and hope that Pampangos, the majority of them Catholic supporters of Among Ed, will flock in droves to meet and embrace her, and in single voice still shout "GMA! GMA! "That, however, would not happen if thousands of Catholic Pampangos who support and believe Among Ed, perceive any act of government-sponsore d harassment or persecution by Malacañang on the stout-hearted and hard-headed man they elected governor.
Marian devotees say no to Guv's recall
By Bert Basa
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The silent majority rejoiced on Monday when Archbishop Paciano "Apu Ceto" Aniceto referred to the recall petition against Pampanga Governor Eddie Panlilio.
"What is this recall? Election already happened and we'll have another one?" the Pampanga archbishop mentioned in his homily during the 52nd Coronation of Our Lady of Virgen delos Remedios at the Villa del Sol Subdivision here.
"The way I understand it, the Pampanga archbishop is against the recall of Governor Panlilio because he speaks very sarcastically, " a devotee said on Monday afternoon.
Also present during the coronation rites were the priest prayer warriors who recently expressed support for the recall petition against Panlilio.
"I will only follow the Gospel, others might start talking," Aniceto added, which visibly elated the devotees who came from the different towns in Pampanga.
Earlier, Panlilio said the recall petition against him will not prosper and will die a natural death because it is "a long shot undertaking.
" He added that whether the recall move against him will prosper or not, he will endorse this city's Mayor Oscar Rodriguez for governor come the 2010 elections.
There were previous reports that Panlilio is planning to run for vice president or senator in the next elections.
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The silent majority rejoiced on Monday when Archbishop Paciano "Apu Ceto" Aniceto referred to the recall petition against Pampanga Governor Eddie Panlilio.
"What is this recall? Election already happened and we'll have another one?" the Pampanga archbishop mentioned in his homily during the 52nd Coronation of Our Lady of Virgen delos Remedios at the Villa del Sol Subdivision here.
"The way I understand it, the Pampanga archbishop is against the recall of Governor Panlilio because he speaks very sarcastically, " a devotee said on Monday afternoon.
Also present during the coronation rites were the priest prayer warriors who recently expressed support for the recall petition against Panlilio.
"I will only follow the Gospel, others might start talking," Aniceto added, which visibly elated the devotees who came from the different towns in Pampanga.
Earlier, Panlilio said the recall petition against him will not prosper and will die a natural death because it is "a long shot undertaking.
" He added that whether the recall move against him will prosper or not, he will endorse this city's Mayor Oscar Rodriguez for governor come the 2010 elections.
There were previous reports that Panlilio is planning to run for vice president or senator in the next elections.
Monday, September 8, 2008
POESIA
Nung Aliwa Y Amung Ed,
Ninu Pa, O Balen Cung Capampangan ? ( Poesia )
Neng Jose Roman R. Laquian
12:30 am.
07 Septiembre 2008 ( Domingo )
O Capatad cung Macudta qng Amanung Sisuan mana ,
iting bague pisasabian tuncul queng pamilaco na
queng puesto nang Gobernador Ed Panlilio ning Pampanga ,
iting bague babalacan daring cacalaban quea
marapat yang pibulayan nung nanu ing maguing bunga ,
nung ing taung manalili tune caya tumagun ya
para queng ycasaplala na niting Indung Tibuan ta
pati na qng Cultura at qng mal tang Literatura .
Ngeni pamu papampanan de ing aldo't cabucasan
dening puersa ning dalumdum a magpilit mamye lulam .
Pipilit dang y Amung Ed milaco ya catunculan
pauli ning pansariling interes da't capacanan
ela mengapanusignan pamanaco't panaquitan
caring dapat dang marawac . Ela tune manunculan
para queng ycasaplala ning quecatang Balen tibuan
ni ning Sisuan tang Amanu at Culturang Capampangan .
Iti alang capagdudan , Capatad cu , ala tamung
ayaliling Gobernador cang Amung Eddie panlilio .
Pablasang ding magpalaco't magnasa qng queang puesto
ila dening marinat at mapanacong politico
a ala man masabal queng mayap a pamangobierno :
tapat pamanunculan at caring tau magserbicio .
Pansarili dang interes ing susulung dang malino
at ali ing masabal qng Balen at Sisuan Amanu .
Tune , midinan tana pin " Aldo Ning Amanung Sisuan "
aldong pagmaragul taya ing Amanung Capampangan
ulina ning atin tamung Tune Ibpa ning Balayan
a maqui pusung malugud qng Amanu tang Pimanan ,
y Amung Ed , Gobernador ning Balen tang Capampangan ,
talasaguip qng Amanung dinalan qng casaquitan .
Pauli na , ing Amanu mibangun ya't mipanuanan ,
ya ing Tune Gobernador a dapat tang quilalanan .
Tune , nung balican taya ing panaun milabasan ,
at dening memanunculan quecata lang pacasurian :
ala carelang miwangis cang Amung Ed a uliran
qng Tune Pamagmasabal qng Amanung Capampangan .
Qng dalan a teluntun da ding Poetang Matenacan
at medilig queng lua't daya daring Bayaning Matapang ,
pasibayu , ngeni pamu , atin tamung Mamuntucan
a magnasang ing Amanu tamu lubus neng saguipan .
Ing Guintung Siglo ning quecang Cultura't Amanung Sisuan
Dinatang ne ! Dinatang ne ! O Balen cung Capampangan !
Mibangun Ca ! Gobernador mu ing quecang Ipaglaban !
Ya ing Tune Magmasabal queca't queang pacamalan !
Dening alting campun na ning dalumdum ampon ning lulam ,
dening mangatacong manunculan queng Balen tang Tibuan
a alang lugud qng Cultura at qng Amanung Sisuan ,
ilang dapat tang ilaco , at emu paldac-sicaran !
Balang metung quecatamu a malugud qng Amanu ,
Dayang Tune Capampangan ampon Tune Pilipinu ,
Miabe-abe't micagum ampon misanmetung tamu :
Manalacaran tamungan ampon pagpursiguian tamu
ilaco ding politicong sabagcal qng pamibayu ,
ilang macasalabat qng Mayap a Pamangobierno ,
Mibangun ta't e paburen mawala pang pasibayu
Ing Guintung Siglo ning Balen at ning Sisuan tang Amanu !
Ninu Pa, O Balen Cung Capampangan ? ( Poesia )
Neng Jose Roman R. Laquian
12:30 am.
07 Septiembre 2008 ( Domingo )
O Capatad cung Macudta qng Amanung Sisuan mana ,
iting bague pisasabian tuncul queng pamilaco na
queng puesto nang Gobernador Ed Panlilio ning Pampanga ,
iting bague babalacan daring cacalaban quea
marapat yang pibulayan nung nanu ing maguing bunga ,
nung ing taung manalili tune caya tumagun ya
para queng ycasaplala na niting Indung Tibuan ta
pati na qng Cultura at qng mal tang Literatura .
Ngeni pamu papampanan de ing aldo't cabucasan
dening puersa ning dalumdum a magpilit mamye lulam .
Pipilit dang y Amung Ed milaco ya catunculan
pauli ning pansariling interes da't capacanan
ela mengapanusignan pamanaco't panaquitan
caring dapat dang marawac . Ela tune manunculan
para queng ycasaplala ning quecatang Balen tibuan
ni ning Sisuan tang Amanu at Culturang Capampangan .
Iti alang capagdudan , Capatad cu , ala tamung
ayaliling Gobernador cang Amung Eddie panlilio .
Pablasang ding magpalaco't magnasa qng queang puesto
ila dening marinat at mapanacong politico
a ala man masabal queng mayap a pamangobierno :
tapat pamanunculan at caring tau magserbicio .
Pansarili dang interes ing susulung dang malino
at ali ing masabal qng Balen at Sisuan Amanu .
Tune , midinan tana pin " Aldo Ning Amanung Sisuan "
aldong pagmaragul taya ing Amanung Capampangan
ulina ning atin tamung Tune Ibpa ning Balayan
a maqui pusung malugud qng Amanu tang Pimanan ,
y Amung Ed , Gobernador ning Balen tang Capampangan ,
talasaguip qng Amanung dinalan qng casaquitan .
Pauli na , ing Amanu mibangun ya't mipanuanan ,
ya ing Tune Gobernador a dapat tang quilalanan .
Tune , nung balican taya ing panaun milabasan ,
at dening memanunculan quecata lang pacasurian :
ala carelang miwangis cang Amung Ed a uliran
qng Tune Pamagmasabal qng Amanung Capampangan .
Qng dalan a teluntun da ding Poetang Matenacan
at medilig queng lua't daya daring Bayaning Matapang ,
pasibayu , ngeni pamu , atin tamung Mamuntucan
a magnasang ing Amanu tamu lubus neng saguipan .
Ing Guintung Siglo ning quecang Cultura't Amanung Sisuan
Dinatang ne ! Dinatang ne ! O Balen cung Capampangan !
Mibangun Ca ! Gobernador mu ing quecang Ipaglaban !
Ya ing Tune Magmasabal queca't queang pacamalan !
Dening alting campun na ning dalumdum ampon ning lulam ,
dening mangatacong manunculan queng Balen tang Tibuan
a alang lugud qng Cultura at qng Amanung Sisuan ,
ilang dapat tang ilaco , at emu paldac-sicaran !
Balang metung quecatamu a malugud qng Amanu ,
Dayang Tune Capampangan ampon Tune Pilipinu ,
Miabe-abe't micagum ampon misanmetung tamu :
Manalacaran tamungan ampon pagpursiguian tamu
ilaco ding politicong sabagcal qng pamibayu ,
ilang macasalabat qng Mayap a Pamangobierno ,
Mibangun ta't e paburen mawala pang pasibayu
Ing Guintung Siglo ning Balen at ning Sisuan tang Amanu !
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Manila bishop to Panlilio: Don't surender
09/06/2008 05:47 GMANews.TV
MANILA, Philippines - Embattled Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio got added words of encouragement Saturday from a senior Manila bishop, urging him not to quit as he needs to prove he deserves his mandate.
Manila bishop Teodoro Bacani Jr. said that while he does not approve of more priests entering politics, he can only pray for the success of Panlilio as governor.
"I do not pray that the tribe of priest-politicians should increase.Among, now Governor Ed, does not wish that either. But I wish and pray for thesuccess of Governor Ed as the governor of Pampanga. I hope that he effects suchchanges in the few years he has in office so that other future governors wouldnot be able to run the province in a corrupt and self-serving way. Governor Ed has at least shown that a corruption-free stewardship of the province is possible," he said in his newspaper column in Manila Standard Today.
He said Panlilio already sacrificed much when he decided to run for governorand temporarily gave up his priestly ministry.
Besides, he said it will be damaging and demoralizing for priests to see the governor surrender after being ganged up on.
"I would want to see him do what he can in three years and show that there is indeed an upright way of governing a province, and then ask forre-instatement in the active priestly ministry after his term as governor. At the very least, he has already shown that much, much more income could be derived from the sand quarries of the province than had been collected orreported by his predecessor," he said.
On the other hand, he defended Panlilio's choice to run for governor, saying Pampanga at the time faced a "truly exceptional" case.
At the time, he said Pampanga was faced with the ugly and undesirable prospectof having to choose between the wife of an alleged jueteng lord and a "very inefficient" incumbent governor slapped with corruption charges.
Besides, he said Panlilio could not persuade anyone to run and turned out to be the only credible and winnable bet.
"It was only after much thought, and in consideration of the good of thepeople of Pampanga who needed to have a better alternative, that Among Ed finally decided to run for governor and eventually won," he said.
"He has tried to do his best, and at the same time, he has discouragedother priests from following his footsteps and also run for political posts. Heknows that his is an exceptional case, and as the need is especially urgent andgreat, it justified an exception to the rule.
For after all, in the Church, 'The salvation of the people is the supreme law,'" he said.
MANILA, Philippines - Embattled Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio got added words of encouragement Saturday from a senior Manila bishop, urging him not to quit as he needs to prove he deserves his mandate.
Manila bishop Teodoro Bacani Jr. said that while he does not approve of more priests entering politics, he can only pray for the success of Panlilio as governor.
"I do not pray that the tribe of priest-politicians should increase.Among, now Governor Ed, does not wish that either. But I wish and pray for thesuccess of Governor Ed as the governor of Pampanga. I hope that he effects suchchanges in the few years he has in office so that other future governors wouldnot be able to run the province in a corrupt and self-serving way. Governor Ed has at least shown that a corruption-free stewardship of the province is possible," he said in his newspaper column in Manila Standard Today.
He said Panlilio already sacrificed much when he decided to run for governorand temporarily gave up his priestly ministry.
Besides, he said it will be damaging and demoralizing for priests to see the governor surrender after being ganged up on.
"I would want to see him do what he can in three years and show that there is indeed an upright way of governing a province, and then ask forre-instatement in the active priestly ministry after his term as governor. At the very least, he has already shown that much, much more income could be derived from the sand quarries of the province than had been collected orreported by his predecessor," he said.
On the other hand, he defended Panlilio's choice to run for governor, saying Pampanga at the time faced a "truly exceptional" case.
At the time, he said Pampanga was faced with the ugly and undesirable prospectof having to choose between the wife of an alleged jueteng lord and a "very inefficient" incumbent governor slapped with corruption charges.
Besides, he said Panlilio could not persuade anyone to run and turned out to be the only credible and winnable bet.
"It was only after much thought, and in consideration of the good of thepeople of Pampanga who needed to have a better alternative, that Among Ed finally decided to run for governor and eventually won," he said.
"He has tried to do his best, and at the same time, he has discouragedother priests from following his footsteps and also run for political posts. Heknows that his is an exceptional case, and as the need is especially urgent andgreat, it justified an exception to the rule.
For after all, in the Church, 'The salvation of the people is the supreme law,'" he said.
Why time and money can derail the recall initiative
By Joselito Basilio
If we are to believe the partisan news stories and editorials of Sun Star Pampanga, it seems the recall initiative against Among Ed is already gaining ground. This perception is further bolstered by the moral support given by a number of mostly controversial priests headed by an equally controversial monsignor, a son of Minalin who is believed to be close to the Pinedas of Lubao and Malacanang having had a hand in the appointment of one regional director in Central Luzon .
Let us not lose hope. The recall initiative will likely face formidable challenges along the way. Allow me to explain them.
1. Time Constraint
Per COMELEC Resolution No. 7505, no recall shall be held within one (1) year before the holding of the next regular election. What is the implication of this? This means the holding of a recall election is prohibited by law from 10 May 2009 until 10 May 2010, the date of the next regular election. In other words, the COMELEC has to set the recall election in Pampanga not later than 9 May 2009. After this date, no recall election is allowed by law.
Stated otherwise, Kambilan has only eight (8) months to complete the whole process of recall initiative which involves gathering of required signatures, filing of petition with the COMELEC, validating the sufficiency of the petition in form and substance and legal battles both in the COMELEC and the Supreme Court. This is a long and tedious process. Unless there’s “kingly” intervention, I don’t think the entire process of the recall initiative could be finished in a span of eight months.
2. Inadequate Budget
When top lawyer Romulo Macalintal downplayed the feasibility of a recall election due to lack of funds for that purpose, I did not believe him. Well, I believe him now after reading Republic Act No. 9498 also known as 2008 General Appropriations Act. In the COMELEC’s budget for fiscal year 2008, an amount of Php 46,894,000 is appropriated for the conduct and supervision of elections and other political exercises.
Out of that amount, only Php 5,000,000 is allocated for recall election that may be held. Incidentally, while Kambilan is yet to file a recall petition with the COMELEC there are about eighteen (18) recall petitions now pending in the COMELEC excluding the recall petition just recently filed against the governor of Sulu.
Given this situation, I do not think a recall election in Pampanga could push through. The COMELEC will have no funds to print ballots, conduct and supervise the election itself and pay the teachers that will man 6,461 precincts in Pampanga.
What happens if COMELEC officially declares that a recall election cannot be enforced because of insufficient or lack of funds? If there’s still time, I think the recall proponents would lobby Congress to pass a bill allocating a special funds for the conduct of a recall election in Pampanga. If this situation occurs, I do not think most of our senators, especially those seeking reelection, would support the measure for a simple reason that Among Ed is largely viewed as a political capital who can influence the political preference of the voters come election time.
I would like to ask a hypothetical question. What if the recall proponents volunteer to fund the recall election? Is there is a law allowing or prohibiting it. I don’t know. What I know is that a leading national newspaper branded the recall initiative as “shameless”. Going to the extent of funding the recall election by the proponents is not only brazen but downright unconscionable.
How ironic! The recall petition can prosper because of sufficient money being used by the proponents in the signature-gathering but the recall election itself cannot prosper because of the lack of it.
If we are to believe the partisan news stories and editorials of Sun Star Pampanga, it seems the recall initiative against Among Ed is already gaining ground. This perception is further bolstered by the moral support given by a number of mostly controversial priests headed by an equally controversial monsignor, a son of Minalin who is believed to be close to the Pinedas of Lubao and Malacanang having had a hand in the appointment of one regional director in Central Luzon .
Let us not lose hope. The recall initiative will likely face formidable challenges along the way. Allow me to explain them.
1. Time Constraint
Per COMELEC Resolution No. 7505, no recall shall be held within one (1) year before the holding of the next regular election. What is the implication of this? This means the holding of a recall election is prohibited by law from 10 May 2009 until 10 May 2010, the date of the next regular election. In other words, the COMELEC has to set the recall election in Pampanga not later than 9 May 2009. After this date, no recall election is allowed by law.
Stated otherwise, Kambilan has only eight (8) months to complete the whole process of recall initiative which involves gathering of required signatures, filing of petition with the COMELEC, validating the sufficiency of the petition in form and substance and legal battles both in the COMELEC and the Supreme Court. This is a long and tedious process. Unless there’s “kingly” intervention, I don’t think the entire process of the recall initiative could be finished in a span of eight months.
2. Inadequate Budget
When top lawyer Romulo Macalintal downplayed the feasibility of a recall election due to lack of funds for that purpose, I did not believe him. Well, I believe him now after reading Republic Act No. 9498 also known as 2008 General Appropriations Act. In the COMELEC’s budget for fiscal year 2008, an amount of Php 46,894,000 is appropriated for the conduct and supervision of elections and other political exercises.
Out of that amount, only Php 5,000,000 is allocated for recall election that may be held. Incidentally, while Kambilan is yet to file a recall petition with the COMELEC there are about eighteen (18) recall petitions now pending in the COMELEC excluding the recall petition just recently filed against the governor of Sulu.
Given this situation, I do not think a recall election in Pampanga could push through. The COMELEC will have no funds to print ballots, conduct and supervise the election itself and pay the teachers that will man 6,461 precincts in Pampanga.
What happens if COMELEC officially declares that a recall election cannot be enforced because of insufficient or lack of funds? If there’s still time, I think the recall proponents would lobby Congress to pass a bill allocating a special funds for the conduct of a recall election in Pampanga. If this situation occurs, I do not think most of our senators, especially those seeking reelection, would support the measure for a simple reason that Among Ed is largely viewed as a political capital who can influence the political preference of the voters come election time.
I would like to ask a hypothetical question. What if the recall proponents volunteer to fund the recall election? Is there is a law allowing or prohibiting it. I don’t know. What I know is that a leading national newspaper branded the recall initiative as “shameless”. Going to the extent of funding the recall election by the proponents is not only brazen but downright unconscionable.
How ironic! The recall petition can prosper because of sufficient money being used by the proponents in the signature-gathering but the recall election itself cannot prosper because of the lack of it.
Gov. Panlilio to meet Kapampangan, Fil-Am leaders
03 September 2008
PRESS RELEASE
Gov. Panlilio to meet Kapampangan, Fil-Am leaders
City of San Fernando, Pampanga – From September 5 to 8, 2008, U.S.-based Kapampangans will give Gov. Eddie T. Panlilio an opportunity to dialogue with them regarding the present development of the partnership between the provincial government and the civil societies in pursuing the crusade for good governance and responsible citizenship, discussing as well the current issues and controversies that have been raised regarding his administration.
“We want to listen to Among Ed, and we also want him to listen to us,” said Josie Castro, a leader of the Pampanga Crusaders, USA Inc. (PamagcUSA), which sponsored the governor’s trip. “We, too are stakeholders in the struggle for a new Pampanga,” she added.
Rev. Fr. Rodel Balagtas, Kapampangan parish priest of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, has generously offered his austere rectory to be the governor’s lodging for the duration of his stay in the U.S.
While in the U.S. the governor will also consult with potential benefactors in the matters of medical outreach programs, availability of scholarships and partnerships with community-based organizations.
After his arrival at Los Angeles , Gov. Panlilio will join his cabalens from the Club Minalin for an evening of discussion. He expects to replicate this meeting with other municipality-based organizations later in order to discover how the expatriates can assist in the growth and development of their respective native towns.
On the next day, the governor will attend the first anniversary celebration of the PamagcUSA. Bishop Pablo David is expected to celebrate the Eucharist with its leaders and members. After his meeting with Los Angeles Bishop Oscar Solis, the governor will attend the Fil-Am Leadership Gathering. His busy day will be capped with a meeting with the Pampanga Day Celebration Commission.
September 7 is expected to be a grand day of dialogue, interaction and consultation for Gov. Panlilio with Kapampangans in California . In the morning, he will speak before the United Pampanga League which is one of the more established organizations in the U.S. Later, he will join the Kapampangan-American faithful at the Canonical Coronation of the Virgen De Los Remedios at the Cathedral of our Lady of Angels, also in Los Angeles . This celebration will echo the annual coronation of the Patroness of the province, this year to be held in the City of San Fernando . Following this religious event, he will mingle with local Kapampangans in a dinner, which is expected to be an opportunity for ordinary people to express their concerns to the Governor.
Before flying back home on September 8, he will also give a courtesy call to Consul General Mary Jo Aragon at the Philippine Consulate.
Gov. Panlilio is expected to arrive back in the Philippines on September 10, 2008. /PIO
PRESS RELEASE
Gov. Panlilio to meet Kapampangan, Fil-Am leaders
City of San Fernando, Pampanga – From September 5 to 8, 2008, U.S.-based Kapampangans will give Gov. Eddie T. Panlilio an opportunity to dialogue with them regarding the present development of the partnership between the provincial government and the civil societies in pursuing the crusade for good governance and responsible citizenship, discussing as well the current issues and controversies that have been raised regarding his administration.
“We want to listen to Among Ed, and we also want him to listen to us,” said Josie Castro, a leader of the Pampanga Crusaders, USA Inc. (PamagcUSA), which sponsored the governor’s trip. “We, too are stakeholders in the struggle for a new Pampanga,” she added.
Rev. Fr. Rodel Balagtas, Kapampangan parish priest of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, has generously offered his austere rectory to be the governor’s lodging for the duration of his stay in the U.S.
While in the U.S. the governor will also consult with potential benefactors in the matters of medical outreach programs, availability of scholarships and partnerships with community-based organizations.
After his arrival at Los Angeles , Gov. Panlilio will join his cabalens from the Club Minalin for an evening of discussion. He expects to replicate this meeting with other municipality-based organizations later in order to discover how the expatriates can assist in the growth and development of their respective native towns.
On the next day, the governor will attend the first anniversary celebration of the PamagcUSA. Bishop Pablo David is expected to celebrate the Eucharist with its leaders and members. After his meeting with Los Angeles Bishop Oscar Solis, the governor will attend the Fil-Am Leadership Gathering. His busy day will be capped with a meeting with the Pampanga Day Celebration Commission.
September 7 is expected to be a grand day of dialogue, interaction and consultation for Gov. Panlilio with Kapampangans in California . In the morning, he will speak before the United Pampanga League which is one of the more established organizations in the U.S. Later, he will join the Kapampangan-American faithful at the Canonical Coronation of the Virgen De Los Remedios at the Cathedral of our Lady of Angels, also in Los Angeles . This celebration will echo the annual coronation of the Patroness of the province, this year to be held in the City of San Fernando . Following this religious event, he will mingle with local Kapampangans in a dinner, which is expected to be an opportunity for ordinary people to express their concerns to the Governor.
Before flying back home on September 8, he will also give a courtesy call to Consul General Mary Jo Aragon at the Philippine Consulate.
Gov. Panlilio is expected to arrive back in the Philippines on September 10, 2008. /PIO
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
'Nakakahiya'
Editorial
‘Nakakahiya’
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:04:00 09/03/2008
That most of the local officials of Pampanga province, especially the mayors and board members, are suddenly beside themselves with their non-negotiable demand for credible and clean leadership is not at all surprising. But their brazenness is still breathtaking. Simply put, their “campaign” is both shameful and shameless. In Filipino, “nakakahiya, walang hiya!”
We are referring to the petition purportedly initiated by Kapanalig at Kambilan ning Memalen Pampanga (Kambilan) for the recall of Gov. Eddie “Among Ed” Panlilio.
The petition, pushed by these same officials, is not unexpected and has partisanship written all over it. It is public knowledge that some of Panlilio’s political adversaries, from the time of his election, do not want him to finish his term. Right after his proclamation, they drove all over town waving their own version of the three R’s—recount, recall and requiem—like three swords of Damocles. Sure enough, a case for recount was filed shortly thereafter with the Commission on Elections by one of his rival candidates. (The Supreme Court forbade the recount while it deliberated on a related petition.) And the requiem? Panlilio himself has said that he has been told that a requiem (based on the Latin word for “rest,” and which in the Catholic Church’s lexicon refers to a Mass or service held especially for a deceased person) is being eyed by some of his enemies as a “last resort.”
Founded only last July, Kambilan can’t be the initiator of the recall drive; in fact, it can only be the front. This “non-profit and non-stock organization” is headed by the campaign manager of a losing candidate.
Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo’s statement that the Pampanga Mayors League will help gather the minimum 100,000 signatures needed for the recall petition gave Kambilan away: that is, it’s a skeleton that can’t come to life without the political networks of the very politicians unhappily watching Panlilio serve as Pampanga’s governor.
The recall petition is shameful and shameless because it is downright hypocritical. Pampanga today, despite being the home province of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo , remains a “jueteng-free zone.” It remains, reportedly, the home base of the country’s most influential gambling lord. But Pampanga’s officials, except for Panlilio who is openly campaigning against this corrupting illegal numbers game, are not complaining. And they didn’t complain either when the province’s collection of lahar fees, prior to Panlilio’s term, was at unbelievable lows, amid talk that most of it was flowing into private pockets instead of provincial coffers. Neither did they care that the 2007 elections in Pampanga had been reduced, in the public mind, into a contest between jueteng interests and lahar money.
Disgusted and embarrassed by the prospect of having to vote “None of the Above,” conscientious Kapampangans looked for an alternative. They found a reluctant Father Panlilio who could not refuse because he had preached that the circumstances called for a strong moral stand for good governance, and they thought it was only he who had a fighting chance to win. The priest’s victory earned for the Kapampangans the nation’s admiration. It gave its people a new sense of pride, and Pampanga basked once again in a moment of glory. But most of all, it reassured all well-meaning Filipinos that there’s still hope for the country. Panlilio became the newest symbol of the Filipino people’s aspiration for a decent society.
Now that Panlilio has raised lahar collections from P2.41 million a month in 2006 to more than P17.57 million a month since June 2007, and insists on weeding out the underground lottery “jueteng,” Pampanga’s traditional politicians are scrambling to get him out. For a jumble of fuzzy reasons: loss of confidence in his leadership, gross negligence, perjury, failure to unify local officials, lack of clear directions and programs of actions, failure to deliver basic services, even non-attendance in meetings with the President. Well, the first time he went to such a meeting, he came home with a paper bag containing P500,000 and fell out of grace with Malacañang because he chose to tell the public about it.
The recall petition is not about good governance or transparency. It is about political opportunism and personal greed. At a time the Filipino nation is in desperate need of honest leaders, officials of the President’s province are doing everything to remove one. For shame.
‘Nakakahiya’
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:04:00 09/03/2008
That most of the local officials of Pampanga province, especially the mayors and board members, are suddenly beside themselves with their non-negotiable demand for credible and clean leadership is not at all surprising. But their brazenness is still breathtaking. Simply put, their “campaign” is both shameful and shameless. In Filipino, “nakakahiya, walang hiya!”
We are referring to the petition purportedly initiated by Kapanalig at Kambilan ning Memalen Pampanga (Kambilan) for the recall of Gov. Eddie “Among Ed” Panlilio.
The petition, pushed by these same officials, is not unexpected and has partisanship written all over it. It is public knowledge that some of Panlilio’s political adversaries, from the time of his election, do not want him to finish his term. Right after his proclamation, they drove all over town waving their own version of the three R’s—recount, recall and requiem—like three swords of Damocles. Sure enough, a case for recount was filed shortly thereafter with the Commission on Elections by one of his rival candidates. (The Supreme Court forbade the recount while it deliberated on a related petition.) And the requiem? Panlilio himself has said that he has been told that a requiem (based on the Latin word for “rest,” and which in the Catholic Church’s lexicon refers to a Mass or service held especially for a deceased person) is being eyed by some of his enemies as a “last resort.”
Founded only last July, Kambilan can’t be the initiator of the recall drive; in fact, it can only be the front. This “non-profit and non-stock organization” is headed by the campaign manager of a losing candidate.
Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo’s statement that the Pampanga Mayors League will help gather the minimum 100,000 signatures needed for the recall petition gave Kambilan away: that is, it’s a skeleton that can’t come to life without the political networks of the very politicians unhappily watching Panlilio serve as Pampanga’s governor.
The recall petition is shameful and shameless because it is downright hypocritical. Pampanga today, despite being the home province of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo , remains a “jueteng-free zone.” It remains, reportedly, the home base of the country’s most influential gambling lord. But Pampanga’s officials, except for Panlilio who is openly campaigning against this corrupting illegal numbers game, are not complaining. And they didn’t complain either when the province’s collection of lahar fees, prior to Panlilio’s term, was at unbelievable lows, amid talk that most of it was flowing into private pockets instead of provincial coffers. Neither did they care that the 2007 elections in Pampanga had been reduced, in the public mind, into a contest between jueteng interests and lahar money.
Disgusted and embarrassed by the prospect of having to vote “None of the Above,” conscientious Kapampangans looked for an alternative. They found a reluctant Father Panlilio who could not refuse because he had preached that the circumstances called for a strong moral stand for good governance, and they thought it was only he who had a fighting chance to win. The priest’s victory earned for the Kapampangans the nation’s admiration. It gave its people a new sense of pride, and Pampanga basked once again in a moment of glory. But most of all, it reassured all well-meaning Filipinos that there’s still hope for the country. Panlilio became the newest symbol of the Filipino people’s aspiration for a decent society.
Now that Panlilio has raised lahar collections from P2.41 million a month in 2006 to more than P17.57 million a month since June 2007, and insists on weeding out the underground lottery “jueteng,” Pampanga’s traditional politicians are scrambling to get him out. For a jumble of fuzzy reasons: loss of confidence in his leadership, gross negligence, perjury, failure to unify local officials, lack of clear directions and programs of actions, failure to deliver basic services, even non-attendance in meetings with the President. Well, the first time he went to such a meeting, he came home with a paper bag containing P500,000 and fell out of grace with Malacañang because he chose to tell the public about it.
The recall petition is not about good governance or transparency. It is about political opportunism and personal greed. At a time the Filipino nation is in desperate need of honest leaders, officials of the President’s province are doing everything to remove one. For shame.
Keng Tigre... eku tatakut
Ditak pung silip keng balita kanitang milabas a banua... ela pin petugut.
Sun.Star Manila.(October 15, 2007 issue)
...But they could not wait for him to finish his term quietly. Setting obstacles on his every way, putting up hurdles to obstruct his program, and making life difficult for him has turned the priest into his stubborn self. The priest has been sufficiently provoked. So he fights back, unnerved by the sustained obstructionism. Like Christ’s true apostle the Among will suffer under sword or fire. King tigre, king leon eku tatakut, kang Yeng Guiao pa?
If Panlilio has reversed course and is now going for a re-election, (chances are the popular support will remain), blame the provincial officials for their collective tactical error in provoking the priest’s to dig in and chart hisway to a second term.
To his mind, he expects the next set of provincial board members to have new members, with Yeng Guiao on his way to Congress. With the Pineda family missing a hatchet man and triggerman in the caliber of the Red Bull coach, Panlilio may finally work in peace without the distraction caused by the pro-Pineda conspirators to derail his administration. Unless terminated in his position by the dreaded Comelec wise guys, the Gov is well on his way to preach his gospel. With his performance, he might be the brightest icon yet in local politics that his chief apostle, Archie Reyes, might not even be worthy to untie his sandals.
..pokat
Sun.Star Manila.(October 15, 2007 issue)
...But they could not wait for him to finish his term quietly. Setting obstacles on his every way, putting up hurdles to obstruct his program, and making life difficult for him has turned the priest into his stubborn self. The priest has been sufficiently provoked. So he fights back, unnerved by the sustained obstructionism. Like Christ’s true apostle the Among will suffer under sword or fire. King tigre, king leon eku tatakut, kang Yeng Guiao pa?
If Panlilio has reversed course and is now going for a re-election, (chances are the popular support will remain), blame the provincial officials for their collective tactical error in provoking the priest’s to dig in and chart hisway to a second term.
To his mind, he expects the next set of provincial board members to have new members, with Yeng Guiao on his way to Congress. With the Pineda family missing a hatchet man and triggerman in the caliber of the Red Bull coach, Panlilio may finally work in peace without the distraction caused by the pro-Pineda conspirators to derail his administration. Unless terminated in his position by the dreaded Comelec wise guys, the Gov is well on his way to preach his gospel. With his performance, he might be the brightest icon yet in local politics that his chief apostle, Archie Reyes, might not even be worthy to untie his sandals.
..pokat
Yeng Guiao's DNA
By Joselito Basilio
I once remarked in the defunct Among Ed website that “Yeng Guiao is the only Guiao who is not Bren”, an obvious rip-off of one martial law truism “Rafael Recto is the only Recto who is not Claro” criticizing the younger Recto’s collaboration with Marcos. The late Rafael Recto is of course the son of nationalist Claro M. Recto and the father-in-law of Gov. Vilma Santos. Why is it it’s not “like father like son” in the case of Tatang Bren and Yeng? Perhaps the good genes of a father are not always transmissible to the son. It is patently evident that Yeng Guiao did not inherit the good genes of his great father Bren whose principle as a freedom fighter was comparable to that of other Kapampangan great leaders like Ninoy Aquino and Jose Lingad.
Look at Yeng now. He is the exact opposite of his illustrious Dad whom I admired as one of my childhood heroes during the Martial Law days. He seems to have mortgaged his life to serving the selfish interest of his political masters because of huge political debts he can never repay. Try to observe him. He plays the role of a silent apologist and henchman of those who raises money by selling slip of paper. He shrugs off whatever Among Ed utters just to delight and wow his political lords. Whenever Among Ed executes a clean shot on good governance, Yeng, the hard court master tactician, “elbows” the governor publicly and pooh-poohs his pronouncements. The recent support demonstrated by the Provincial Board on the recall move may lend credence to my belief that Yeng is profoundly involved in the master game plan to depose the incumbent governor at all cost, a diabolical plot never tried to the two previous governors whose castle in Porac was built from quarry sand.
Poor Yeng! He’s on the wrong side of history. He would certainly be assured of a place in Kapampangan history if he had not been gulp down by corruption and patronage. He possesses leadership potential and might become a future governor if he did not take the wrong path to greatness. I hope this bright UP alumnus would come to his sense of history while there is time, otherwise his father’s former Provincial Administrator might assume in near future the position he dearly covets.
I once remarked in the defunct Among Ed website that “Yeng Guiao is the only Guiao who is not Bren”, an obvious rip-off of one martial law truism “Rafael Recto is the only Recto who is not Claro” criticizing the younger Recto’s collaboration with Marcos. The late Rafael Recto is of course the son of nationalist Claro M. Recto and the father-in-law of Gov. Vilma Santos. Why is it it’s not “like father like son” in the case of Tatang Bren and Yeng? Perhaps the good genes of a father are not always transmissible to the son. It is patently evident that Yeng Guiao did not inherit the good genes of his great father Bren whose principle as a freedom fighter was comparable to that of other Kapampangan great leaders like Ninoy Aquino and Jose Lingad.
Look at Yeng now. He is the exact opposite of his illustrious Dad whom I admired as one of my childhood heroes during the Martial Law days. He seems to have mortgaged his life to serving the selfish interest of his political masters because of huge political debts he can never repay. Try to observe him. He plays the role of a silent apologist and henchman of those who raises money by selling slip of paper. He shrugs off whatever Among Ed utters just to delight and wow his political lords. Whenever Among Ed executes a clean shot on good governance, Yeng, the hard court master tactician, “elbows” the governor publicly and pooh-poohs his pronouncements. The recent support demonstrated by the Provincial Board on the recall move may lend credence to my belief that Yeng is profoundly involved in the master game plan to depose the incumbent governor at all cost, a diabolical plot never tried to the two previous governors whose castle in Porac was built from quarry sand.
Poor Yeng! He’s on the wrong side of history. He would certainly be assured of a place in Kapampangan history if he had not been gulp down by corruption and patronage. He possesses leadership potential and might become a future governor if he did not take the wrong path to greatness. I hope this bright UP alumnus would come to his sense of history while there is time, otherwise his father’s former Provincial Administrator might assume in near future the position he dearly covets.
Monday, September 1, 2008
"Tuloy pa rin ang trabaho"
“Tuloy pa rin ang trabaho” – Gob. Panlilio
Siyudad ng San Fernando, Pampanga – Katulad ng isang ordinaryong empleyado ng pamahalaan, sinimulan ni Gobernador Eddie Panlilio ang kanyang araw ngayon sa pagsakay ng pampasaherong dyip papunta sa Kapitolyo dito sa siyudad.
Sumakay si Among Ed ng dyip kaninang ganap na 7:15 ng umaga mula sa Unibersidad ng Assumption, kung saan siya pansamantalang tumitigil. Pagbaba sa may harapan ng Cathedral ng siyudad ay naglakad ang gobernador papunta sa mga nakapilang dyip na patungo naman ng Kapitolyo sa barangay Sto. Nino.
Pinatunayan ni Among Ed na hindi mahahadlangan ng kawalan ng pondo ang kanyang patuloy na pagtupad sa kanyang mga gawain bilang Punong Ehekutibo ng lalawigan. Sa kabila ng panganib na maidudulot nito sa kanyang seguridad, minabuti ng gobernador na mag-commute papunta sa kanyang opisina.
Nahaharap ngayon ang Opisina ng Gobernador sa kawalan ng pondo para sa gasolina at paubos na rin ang lahat ng alokasyon para sa Operating Expenses ng nabanggit na opisina. Hindi inaprubahan ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) ang hinihingi ng gobernador na Supplemental Budget na isinumite sa SP noon pang ika-21 ng Abril taong kasalukuyan.
Ang pagkaubos ng pondo ng governor’s office (GO) sa loob lamang ng anim na buwan sa taong ito ay dahil sa pagtustos nito sa operating expenses ng apat na units na kailangang patuloy na umandar sa kabila ng kawalan ng pondo.
Matatandaang hindi binigyan ng pondo ng SP ang apat na units o opisina na nasa ilalim ng governor’s office para sa taong kasalukuyan. Ang mga units na ito ay ang Arts, Culture and Tourism Office of Pampanga (ACTOP); Provincial Information Office (PIO); Management Information System (MIS); at ang Biyaya a Luluguran at Sisikapan (BALAS) na siyang nagmomonitor sa operasyon ng quarry sa probinsiya.
Hindi rin binigyan ng kaukulang pansin ng SP ang hiling kamakailan lamang ng gobernador para sa isang special session upang ipagtanggol ang pangangailangan sa badyet ng kanyang opisina. Ayon sa SP, hindi “urgent” ang usaping ito para tumawag ng special session.
Siyudad ng San Fernando, Pampanga – Katulad ng isang ordinaryong empleyado ng pamahalaan, sinimulan ni Gobernador Eddie Panlilio ang kanyang araw ngayon sa pagsakay ng pampasaherong dyip papunta sa Kapitolyo dito sa siyudad.
Sumakay si Among Ed ng dyip kaninang ganap na 7:15 ng umaga mula sa Unibersidad ng Assumption, kung saan siya pansamantalang tumitigil. Pagbaba sa may harapan ng Cathedral ng siyudad ay naglakad ang gobernador papunta sa mga nakapilang dyip na patungo naman ng Kapitolyo sa barangay Sto. Nino.
Pinatunayan ni Among Ed na hindi mahahadlangan ng kawalan ng pondo ang kanyang patuloy na pagtupad sa kanyang mga gawain bilang Punong Ehekutibo ng lalawigan. Sa kabila ng panganib na maidudulot nito sa kanyang seguridad, minabuti ng gobernador na mag-commute papunta sa kanyang opisina.
Nahaharap ngayon ang Opisina ng Gobernador sa kawalan ng pondo para sa gasolina at paubos na rin ang lahat ng alokasyon para sa Operating Expenses ng nabanggit na opisina. Hindi inaprubahan ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) ang hinihingi ng gobernador na Supplemental Budget na isinumite sa SP noon pang ika-21 ng Abril taong kasalukuyan.
Ang pagkaubos ng pondo ng governor’s office (GO) sa loob lamang ng anim na buwan sa taong ito ay dahil sa pagtustos nito sa operating expenses ng apat na units na kailangang patuloy na umandar sa kabila ng kawalan ng pondo.
Matatandaang hindi binigyan ng pondo ng SP ang apat na units o opisina na nasa ilalim ng governor’s office para sa taong kasalukuyan. Ang mga units na ito ay ang Arts, Culture and Tourism Office of Pampanga (ACTOP); Provincial Information Office (PIO); Management Information System (MIS); at ang Biyaya a Luluguran at Sisikapan (BALAS) na siyang nagmomonitor sa operasyon ng quarry sa probinsiya.
Hindi rin binigyan ng kaukulang pansin ng SP ang hiling kamakailan lamang ng gobernador para sa isang special session upang ipagtanggol ang pangangailangan sa badyet ng kanyang opisina. Ayon sa SP, hindi “urgent” ang usaping ito para tumawag ng special session.
Quarry Operation, maaaring ipatigil
Republic of the Philippines
Province of Pampanga
Office of the Governor
PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE
Capitol Compound, City of San Fernando, Pampanga
Telefax: (045) 961-0917 Email: pio@pampangacapitol.com
01 September 2008
PRESS RELEASE
Quarry operation, maaaring ipatigil
Siyudad ng San Fernando, Pampanga – Mapipilitan ang Panlilio administration na ipatigil pansamantala ang quarry operation dahil sa kawalan ng pondo. Ito ang ipinahayag ni Atty. Vivian Dabu, Provincial Administrator, sa kalipunan ng quarry operators noong Biernes, ika-29 ng Agosto 2008 sa Executive House Conference Hall, Capitol Compound, ng lungsod na ito.
Ipinaliwanag ni Atty. Dabu na kahit kalahati ng Php300.00 na binabayaran ng mga quarry operators ay para sa administrative expenses, kung hindi aaprubahan ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) kung paano ito gagastusin ay hindi pa rin maaaring gamitin ang pondong ito. At ito ang nangyari para sa taong ito na kung saan ay kalahati lamang ng hinihinging pampasahod sa mga provincial checkers ang inaprubahan ng SP at wala kahit magkano para sa gastos sa monitoring ng quarry operation.
Magkahalong galit at panlulumo ang naging sagot ng mga quarry operators. Ang ilan ay umaasang magkakaroon ng kaayusan ang bagay na ito sapagkat marami ang maaapektuhan ng pansamantalang pagpapatigil ng quarry operation.
Nagpahayag ng pangamba ang pangulo ng small scale quarry operators, si G. Michael Tapang, sa maaaring paglipat ng kanilang mga customers sa ibang lugar lalo na sa Tarlac na kung saan ay mura lamang ang ibinabayad na extraction fee. Dahil dito ay nagkasundo ang mga quarry operators na dudulog sila sa SP at hihingi ng madaliang pagsasa-ayos ng pondong kailangan upang hindi mahinto kahit pansamantala lamang ang quarry operation.
Liban dito, ipinahayag rin ni Atty. Dabu ang mahigpitang pagpapatupad ng anti-overloading law, paglalagay ng takip na lona (tarpaulin) sa kargadang buhangin o graba, at pagbabawal ng pagkakarga ng basura.
Province of Pampanga
Office of the Governor
PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE
Capitol Compound, City of San Fernando, Pampanga
Telefax: (045) 961-0917 Email: pio@pampangacapitol.com
01 September 2008
PRESS RELEASE
Quarry operation, maaaring ipatigil
Siyudad ng San Fernando, Pampanga – Mapipilitan ang Panlilio administration na ipatigil pansamantala ang quarry operation dahil sa kawalan ng pondo. Ito ang ipinahayag ni Atty. Vivian Dabu, Provincial Administrator, sa kalipunan ng quarry operators noong Biernes, ika-29 ng Agosto 2008 sa Executive House Conference Hall, Capitol Compound, ng lungsod na ito.
Ipinaliwanag ni Atty. Dabu na kahit kalahati ng Php300.00 na binabayaran ng mga quarry operators ay para sa administrative expenses, kung hindi aaprubahan ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) kung paano ito gagastusin ay hindi pa rin maaaring gamitin ang pondong ito. At ito ang nangyari para sa taong ito na kung saan ay kalahati lamang ng hinihinging pampasahod sa mga provincial checkers ang inaprubahan ng SP at wala kahit magkano para sa gastos sa monitoring ng quarry operation.
Magkahalong galit at panlulumo ang naging sagot ng mga quarry operators. Ang ilan ay umaasang magkakaroon ng kaayusan ang bagay na ito sapagkat marami ang maaapektuhan ng pansamantalang pagpapatigil ng quarry operation.
Nagpahayag ng pangamba ang pangulo ng small scale quarry operators, si G. Michael Tapang, sa maaaring paglipat ng kanilang mga customers sa ibang lugar lalo na sa Tarlac na kung saan ay mura lamang ang ibinabayad na extraction fee. Dahil dito ay nagkasundo ang mga quarry operators na dudulog sila sa SP at hihingi ng madaliang pagsasa-ayos ng pondong kailangan upang hindi mahinto kahit pansamantala lamang ang quarry operation.
Liban dito, ipinahayag rin ni Atty. Dabu ang mahigpitang pagpapatupad ng anti-overloading law, paglalagay ng takip na lona (tarpaulin) sa kargadang buhangin o graba, at pagbabawal ng pagkakarga ng basura.
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