KMI STATEMENT ON RECALL OF AMONG ED PANLILIO

KMI: NO TO RECALL! YES TO REFORMS!

The results of the May 2007 gubernatorial elections brought ripples of hope around the country that any well-meaning Kapampangan would be proud of.. Shunning the usual practices characteristic of traditional and patronage politics, we elected Gov. Eddie Panlilio on the basis of his good governance platform. It was one shining moment for Pampanga that future generations can always look back to for inspiration.

We recognize the many gains that the Panlilio administration has attained for Pampanga after just a year in office. We are especially grateful for the:

ü Sincere efforts to address sectoral issues and concerns by institutionalizing structures and mechanisms (e.g. Indigenous Peoples' Council, Youth Development Council, Persons with Disabilities, etc.)
ü Increase in quarry collections and the immediate distribution of the shares of the participating local government units
ü Convening of the Provincial Development Council after several years of inactivity

We STRONGLY REJECT the recall initiative filed against Gov. Panlilio at this point in time. A year after the elections, we are just beginning to heal the wounds of divisions through dialogues and peaceful negotiations. Holding a divisive political exercise so soon will only re-open the as yet unhealed wounds and undermine efforts for Pampanga's progress.

We enjoin our political leaders and the Kapampangan populace to give PEACE AND UNITY a chance especially at this time when we are confronted with a global economic crisis that renders us all vulnerable. We respect the mandate that the people have accorded Governor Eddie Panlilio in the same way that we respect the mandate given to Vice-Governor Joseller Guiao, the members of the Provincial Board and the rest of Pampanga's duly-elected officials.

While we say no to recall at this instant, we challenge the Panlilio administration to immediately implement MUCH-NEEDED REFORMS, foremost among which are:

ü Ensure checks and balances at the Capitol by not concentrating power and authority on the Provincial Administrator who holds other positions of influence. We recommend the creation of a Multi-Sectoral Advisory Council composed of experts and stakeholders in priority development areas to enhance the participatory character of the Panlilio administration;
ü Give flesh to good governance in Pampanga first and foremost. Breathe life to the campaign platform of "Daing ding Pakakalulu, Iyatad king Kapitolyo" by laying down foundations for economic empowerment to wean the people away from jueteng;
ü Offer a peaceful resolution to the impasse with the BALAS boys. BALAS being the cornerstone of the Panlilio administration' s achievements, it is but fitting to accord the BALAS workers the basic courtesy of due process in confronting allegations of anomalies. We urge Gov. Panlilio to honor his promise of unconditional reinstatement of the BALAS boys who went on strike to dramatize their protest against unjust treatment. We recommend the creation of an investigative body that will look into the alleged anomalies as basis for imposing sanctions on those found guilty and clearing the names of those who are not guilty.

Pampanga stands to lose much if we are to continue this political tug of war that has been adversely affecting our province's growth and development. We say NO TO RECALL and YES TO REFORMS as we commit to cooperate with both the Executive and Legislative branches of the Provincial Government in making good governance happen in our beloved Pampanga.