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
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