KASAUP

Panlilio mania did not benefit Pampanga

Philippine Daily InquirerFirst Posted 01:56:00 05/05/2009

To the admirers of “Among Ed” Panlilio, forgive me for spoiling the fun, but you are merely blinded by perception. Be careful what you wish for, Governor Panlilio might just upset us all.
I am a Kapampangan, a Catholic and an active community leader, and I know whereof I speak. Readers may care to know that even before Among Ed improved quarry collections in our province, there was Yeng Guiao and several mayors who filed with the Ombudsman a P1-billion graft case against then-Gov. Mark Lapid for various quarry operation anomalies. No, not everybody in the Pampanga Capitol is a crook.

Readers may also wish to know how the budget is dispensed in our province. With a budget of more than P700 million in 2007 and another P968 million in 2008, all Among Ed can boast of are projects that are within the ambit of his job description as chief executive of the province— barangay roads, medical supplies and equipment, public schools, livelihood and agricultural skills training, support to micro-enterprise, scholarship grants, job opportunities, medical and dental missions, disaster management, collections from quarry operations and incentives for employees.

Thank you, Among Ed, but these traditional projects are expected to be done because you are our governor. I will not buy your PR that these are sterling accomplishments as you’d like us to see. In my humble knowledge of good governance, accomplishments mean advances made in housing, health and education sectors, a vibrant business environment and flourishing investments that generate jobs and empowerment of barangays. Were there any accomplishments in ensuring ample rice production for Pampanga? Were there any advances made in maintaining peace and order; to curb drug addiction and prostitution or reduce unemployment?

The list goes on, and for the benefit of Manila-based academicians and political analysts, take a personal look at the province and its people up close. The Panlilio mania was just that; we are still lacking in effective governance with beneficial, long-term results.

Among Ed may have the best of intentions in leading our country, as most politicians do, but he is locked away in his own bubble of distrust and self-delusion of uprightness. Honesty is indeed one big trait we need in our leaders but it is not enough. We need someone who can lead us without hypocrisy, unite us in principled harmony and translate revenues—quarry for example—to improve the lives of Kapampangans.

—ARNOLD GUINTO,guinto.arnold@gmail.com