Another vice mayor oposes recall vs Panlilio

By Jovi T. De Leon
First Posted at Sunstar.com

FLORIDABLANCA Vice Mayor Joe Rey Montemayor is not in favor of the recall petition against Governor Eddie Panlilio.

This, as the Vice Mayors' League (VML) in Pampanga continued its neutrality over the issues of recall and call for the resignation of Panlilio.

"I am speaking on my personal capacity, and not as a member of the VML," Montemayor said.

According to him, the recall move filed last October 15 by the Kapanalig at Kambilan ning Memalen Pampanga (Kambilan) will only result in more divisiveness in the province and the hampered delivery of basic services to the people.

Montemayor is the second vice mayor who had expressed his objection to the recall against Panlilio. Magalang Vice Mayor Norman Lacson also opposes the move.

Montemayor said Floridablanca Mayor Eduardo Guerrero respects his stand on the issue, even as the mayor had since the beginning supported the Kambilan-initiated move and the "yes to recall" stand of many members of the Pampanga Mayors' League (PML) led by staunch Panlilio oppositionist Mayor Jerry Pelayo of Candaba.

He even challenged Pelayo to run for governor, saying "it would make him know the true sentiments of the people regarding him."

Pelayo has been very critical of Panlilio's administration, criticizing the governor for his alleged incompetence and inability to act on the province's problems.

Last week, Guerrero also challenged Panlilio and his supporters regarding their claims that the Capitol chief executive had implemented several projects there.

A "Sulong Floridablanca" leader backing the governor and opposing the recall move had claimed on a local TV program that Panlilio was responsible for projects in the sugar and vote rich town.

On the other hand, Pelayo said he is not interested in the gubernatorial post.

He said that he would continue to serve his constituents in the region's catch basin and oversee the immediate implementation of much needed development programs there.