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