By: KASAUP and the peole of Pampanga
Inyang 3:18 ning abak, August 1, 2009, ing dating Pangulo ning Pilipinas a I CORAZON “CORY” COJUANGCO AQUINO, kingwa da ne kekatamu para dala king busal ning IBPA tamung mayupaya.
I CORY a tune larawan ning malinis a pamanungkulan;
I CORY a mipmung tetagan a sinuyu kekatamung kalupa nang Pilipino;
I CORY a mibie-bie antimong tutung anak ning GUINU tamu;
I CORY a alang takut a inapag ne ing sarili na, kambe ning buong pamilya na, king balayan ning DIYOS at ning bansang Pilipinas;
I CORY na anggang king tauli nang inawa, e tinuknang king LABAN a inumpisan ning asawa ng I NINOY;
I CORY na alang sawang lulugud kekatamu ngan a kalupa ng Pilipino.
Ngeni IBPA ming ka-katas-katasan, panalangin mi keka ing alang sawa mung pamanantabe king kekaming pakamalan a CORY; Ngeni, lalu na, atiu ne king busal mu; Ngeni na akayabe na niya naman ing asawa na at bayani mi mu naman a I NINOY.
Sana ngening kayabe mu ne king Ligaya Banwa I CORY, lalu mu kami pang antabayanan ikaming kabalen ng CORY. Pakasala me pa ing sulu ning lugud mung mamantabe keng kekaming aldo-aldo a pami-bie-bie.
Ngening kingwa mu ne kekami I CORY, sana dinan mu kami ngan bendisyon king kapamilatan ning alang tuknang a kamulatan nung makananau kaming misundu king kasuyuan mi keka at karing kekaming kabalen antimo nung makananu ing gewa ng CORY kekami.
Showing posts with label Authors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Authors. Show all posts
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP OUR COUNTRY?
By Red Reyes
When I visited my relatives and friends in US and Norway , they shared to me their sentiments when they left our country to work and migrate abroad. They told me about their stories when they became idealists and they have lots of dreams for our country. They were the pioneers and best professionals of our country at that time. The sad part was when they saw hopelessness in the midst of corruptions and our economy is getting worse. The rich especially the politicians are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. They thought that going abroad is the only solution to this problem and working overseas is the only way that they can give a better future for their children.
Now, after all the hard works and sacrifices of being in far away lands just to provide a bright future for their families, they wish and long to go back home. They are now planning for their retirements but unfortunately, they observed that our country has now become worse. These are the things that they have observed:
Before, there were only few who are corrupt... But now there are thousands who are competing to accumulate a lot of wealth from our nation's treasury.
1. Before, we only talk of multi million of corruptions... But now, everyday,
we hear multi billions of corruptions in newspapers, radio, lower house
and senate hearings.
2. Before they left the Philippines to work abroad, there were lots of
homeless in our neighboring Asian countries, like Singapore, who
were sleeping in the streets. Now, it is the other way around. We
can look around thousands of beggars and homeless who are
sleeping in the streets, searching for leftover food in trash cans
and dumping area just to survive.
Our neighboring Asian countries like Singapore are now the developed countries and sad to say, we are already overtaken by Vietnam who was devastated by war in the 60s.
My relatives and friends in US and Norway realized that working abroad is not the only solution to the problem of our country.
They realized that it’s a wrong decision in turning their backs on our beloved country and leave it in the hands of selfish and ambitious leaders. Leaving unsolved problems is never the solution to our sufferings and predicament.
When they heard about the upright and moralists leaders like Governor Ed Panlilio of Pampanga, Gov. Grace Padaca of Isabela and Mayor Robredo of Naga City, other members of Kaya Natin, moralist group led by Chief Justice Reynato Puno and like-minded groups….who stood for the crusade of good governance and responsible citizenship, they saw a bright light at the end of the dark tunnel.
They realized that there is still a truly powerful tool to overthrow and get rid of all the TRAPOS, to end this massive corruption and to have a bright future for our country. This is the Sacredness and Power of our VOTES in 2010.
May we, therefore, invite unregistered voters, especially the youth, to register and make a difference for our country and for the future generations.
When I visited my relatives and friends in US and Norway , they shared to me their sentiments when they left our country to work and migrate abroad. They told me about their stories when they became idealists and they have lots of dreams for our country. They were the pioneers and best professionals of our country at that time. The sad part was when they saw hopelessness in the midst of corruptions and our economy is getting worse. The rich especially the politicians are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. They thought that going abroad is the only solution to this problem and working overseas is the only way that they can give a better future for their children.
Now, after all the hard works and sacrifices of being in far away lands just to provide a bright future for their families, they wish and long to go back home. They are now planning for their retirements but unfortunately, they observed that our country has now become worse. These are the things that they have observed:
Before, there were only few who are corrupt... But now there are thousands who are competing to accumulate a lot of wealth from our nation's treasury.
1. Before, we only talk of multi million of corruptions... But now, everyday,
we hear multi billions of corruptions in newspapers, radio, lower house
and senate hearings.
2. Before they left the Philippines to work abroad, there were lots of
homeless in our neighboring Asian countries, like Singapore, who
were sleeping in the streets. Now, it is the other way around. We
can look around thousands of beggars and homeless who are
sleeping in the streets, searching for leftover food in trash cans
and dumping area just to survive.
Our neighboring Asian countries like Singapore are now the developed countries and sad to say, we are already overtaken by Vietnam who was devastated by war in the 60s.
My relatives and friends in US and Norway realized that working abroad is not the only solution to the problem of our country.
They realized that it’s a wrong decision in turning their backs on our beloved country and leave it in the hands of selfish and ambitious leaders. Leaving unsolved problems is never the solution to our sufferings and predicament.
When they heard about the upright and moralists leaders like Governor Ed Panlilio of Pampanga, Gov. Grace Padaca of Isabela and Mayor Robredo of Naga City, other members of Kaya Natin, moralist group led by Chief Justice Reynato Puno and like-minded groups….who stood for the crusade of good governance and responsible citizenship, they saw a bright light at the end of the dark tunnel.
They realized that there is still a truly powerful tool to overthrow and get rid of all the TRAPOS, to end this massive corruption and to have a bright future for our country. This is the Sacredness and Power of our VOTES in 2010.
May we, therefore, invite unregistered voters, especially the youth, to register and make a difference for our country and for the future generations.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
POLITICAL SITUATION IN THE PHILIPPINES
By Red Reyes
Everyday, we watch on television, we hear from radios and read from newspapers the continuous news of corruption of some politicians. We taxpayers pay for the salaries of these lawmakers to make our country the best place to live. To help them perform their job well, they receive yearly, hundred millions of pesos as their pork barrel.
So, What happen ? Instead of doing their job and fulfill their purpose in uplifting the lives of Filipinos, many of these traditional politicians spend their time and efforts to investigate corruptions. They accuse each other and yet no one is convicted in spite of these massive corruptions. We are fed up with all the hearings and reading everyday the stealing of multi million pesos from the nation's coffers . As a result of rampant corruption, the poor become poorer and the TRAPOS (traditional politicians) are ever increasing their assets everyday.
Why ? It is because we Filipinos were already trapped in the pit of despair of patronage politics. We were used to ask something from these politicians in exchange for our vote. In the midst of our difficulties and despair, traditional politicians are taking advantage of this situation by bribing us with their promises, favors or money so that they can grab positions or stay in power.
What to do ? The 2010 election, will be our only power to break all these nightmares. Our pen and our conscience are our most powerful tools to choose the right leaders to lead our country. We have to disregard and forget all these traditional politicians so we can stop all their selfish ambitions. We must look for leaders who practice good governance, transparency and accountability. God fearing people are the most sincere and qualified for these criteria.
We invite all Filipinos, especially the youth, to register and vote in 2010 for our the sake of our future and the next generation.
Everyday, we watch on television, we hear from radios and read from newspapers the continuous news of corruption of some politicians. We taxpayers pay for the salaries of these lawmakers to make our country the best place to live. To help them perform their job well, they receive yearly, hundred millions of pesos as their pork barrel.
So, What happen ? Instead of doing their job and fulfill their purpose in uplifting the lives of Filipinos, many of these traditional politicians spend their time and efforts to investigate corruptions. They accuse each other and yet no one is convicted in spite of these massive corruptions. We are fed up with all the hearings and reading everyday the stealing of multi million pesos from the nation's coffers . As a result of rampant corruption, the poor become poorer and the TRAPOS (traditional politicians) are ever increasing their assets everyday.
Why ? It is because we Filipinos were already trapped in the pit of despair of patronage politics. We were used to ask something from these politicians in exchange for our vote. In the midst of our difficulties and despair, traditional politicians are taking advantage of this situation by bribing us with their promises, favors or money so that they can grab positions or stay in power.
What to do ? The 2010 election, will be our only power to break all these nightmares. Our pen and our conscience are our most powerful tools to choose the right leaders to lead our country. We have to disregard and forget all these traditional politicians so we can stop all their selfish ambitions. We must look for leaders who practice good governance, transparency and accountability. God fearing people are the most sincere and qualified for these criteria.
We invite all Filipinos, especially the youth, to register and vote in 2010 for our the sake of our future and the next generation.
Monday, March 23, 2009
No Support For Among Ed! When Did You?
NO SUPPORT FOR AMONG ED! WHATS NEW?
Several Mayors from the Province of Pampanga, Board Members & Vice Governor Yeng Guiao told the media recently that they will not support Gov. Eddie Panlilio incase he runs for President of the Republic in 2010. What's New? When did these brilliant so called LEADERS of the province support the Governor? When did these so called PUBLIC SERVANTS appreciate the good things that Gov. Ed has done for the Cabalens? HOW DARE YOU SPEAK THAT WAY FOR YOUR FELLOW KABALEN! Are you showing the Filipino people that you are the only ones working and concerned for the benefit of the common good. That the incumbent Governor does not know what he's doing, that he should just return to priesthood and leave the Capitol so that you can have a feast. Filipinos are not STUPID! I suggest you guys to do what the people of Pampanga expect, do what you promised them during the campaign last 2007. WORK! BE GOOD LEADERS! BE TRANSPARENT! STOP MAKING NEGATIVE ISSUES! NOT BE BROADWAY ACTORS AND ARTISTS! THIS IS NOT A TALENT SEARCH FOR NEW ACTORS!
I feel so ashamed whenever people ask me about the current situation in Pampanga and Im ashamed that I am a Kapampangan. There's nothing to be proud of!!! BUT!!!! Thanks for the Arti Sta Rita and Ima Arti! Because of them, the shameful acts of our LEADERS in Pampanga were set aside even for just a short period of time.
Our great leaders told the media that the QUARRY COLLECTION has decreased! WHO'S TO BLAME? PANLILIO AGAIN? ARE THEY NOT PART OF THE PROVINCIAL CAPITOL? Did they do something about it? Did they act on it? Hmmm..... I dare the media to ask these SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN of Pampanga if they have alloted budget for this department. The Quarry Department did what they have to do eventhough they exists like ghosts in the Provincial Capitol.
Tourism is not doing good in Pampanga as well.... Do you want to know why? Again! I dare the media to inquire to the GREAT LEADERS OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN if the Department of Tourism has alloted budget for the year 2009 and how much.
I've been consistently telling you to ask the S.P if the departments that i have mentioned have alloted budget because these will answer all our questions and their reply will provide us light to the truth.
The biggest dare that i may ask from you is to ask the S.P and the mayors of my beloved province PAMPANGA about their job descriptions. The head of the province is more an implementor than a policy making body. WHO'S THE POLICY MAKING BODY? WHO APPROVES BUDGETS? The head of the province cannot implement projects for the poorest of the poor kapampangans unless the PROVINCIAL BOARD approves it. The provincial head can give orders to the Mayors to implement E.O's but it doesnt mean that whenever he tells them to act or support on such that they will definitely act on it. Its a FACT!
For a better Pampanga, it is important for these leaders to be united. Stop politicizing! Be what the people have trusted you to be! Set aside whatever issues these people might have and concentrate on providing services for the Kapampangans. Reminder to these SO CALLED LEADERS, the eyes of the people of Pampanga are monitoring you. 2010 ELECTIONS is just around the corner, if you have dreams of retaining you positions or aiming for higher positions, DO WHAT THE PEOPLE EXPECT FROM YOU! WORK! BE SENSITIVE FOR THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE! CONCENTRATE ON SERVICES AND NOT ON SHOWBIZ! You are EMPLOYEES of the People of Pampanga! You work for them and not the other way around.
I cannot blame these SO CALLED YOU KNOW if they do not wish support their fellow Kapampangan in the coming Presidential Elections, it is their belief and decision but for me it is nothing NEW! If they did not support him as a Governor then why support him as a Presidentiable? Nothing NEW...............
Several Mayors from the Province of Pampanga, Board Members & Vice Governor Yeng Guiao told the media recently that they will not support Gov. Eddie Panlilio incase he runs for President of the Republic in 2010. What's New? When did these brilliant so called LEADERS of the province support the Governor? When did these so called PUBLIC SERVANTS appreciate the good things that Gov. Ed has done for the Cabalens? HOW DARE YOU SPEAK THAT WAY FOR YOUR FELLOW KABALEN! Are you showing the Filipino people that you are the only ones working and concerned for the benefit of the common good. That the incumbent Governor does not know what he's doing, that he should just return to priesthood and leave the Capitol so that you can have a feast. Filipinos are not STUPID! I suggest you guys to do what the people of Pampanga expect, do what you promised them during the campaign last 2007. WORK! BE GOOD LEADERS! BE TRANSPARENT! STOP MAKING NEGATIVE ISSUES! NOT BE BROADWAY ACTORS AND ARTISTS! THIS IS NOT A TALENT SEARCH FOR NEW ACTORS!
I feel so ashamed whenever people ask me about the current situation in Pampanga and Im ashamed that I am a Kapampangan. There's nothing to be proud of!!! BUT!!!! Thanks for the Arti Sta Rita and Ima Arti! Because of them, the shameful acts of our LEADERS in Pampanga were set aside even for just a short period of time.
Our great leaders told the media that the QUARRY COLLECTION has decreased! WHO'S TO BLAME? PANLILIO AGAIN? ARE THEY NOT PART OF THE PROVINCIAL CAPITOL? Did they do something about it? Did they act on it? Hmmm..... I dare the media to ask these SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN of Pampanga if they have alloted budget for this department. The Quarry Department did what they have to do eventhough they exists like ghosts in the Provincial Capitol.
Tourism is not doing good in Pampanga as well.... Do you want to know why? Again! I dare the media to inquire to the GREAT LEADERS OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN if the Department of Tourism has alloted budget for the year 2009 and how much.
I've been consistently telling you to ask the S.P if the departments that i have mentioned have alloted budget because these will answer all our questions and their reply will provide us light to the truth.
The biggest dare that i may ask from you is to ask the S.P and the mayors of my beloved province PAMPANGA about their job descriptions. The head of the province is more an implementor than a policy making body. WHO'S THE POLICY MAKING BODY? WHO APPROVES BUDGETS? The head of the province cannot implement projects for the poorest of the poor kapampangans unless the PROVINCIAL BOARD approves it. The provincial head can give orders to the Mayors to implement E.O's but it doesnt mean that whenever he tells them to act or support on such that they will definitely act on it. Its a FACT!
For a better Pampanga, it is important for these leaders to be united. Stop politicizing! Be what the people have trusted you to be! Set aside whatever issues these people might have and concentrate on providing services for the Kapampangans. Reminder to these SO CALLED LEADERS, the eyes of the people of Pampanga are monitoring you. 2010 ELECTIONS is just around the corner, if you have dreams of retaining you positions or aiming for higher positions, DO WHAT THE PEOPLE EXPECT FROM YOU! WORK! BE SENSITIVE FOR THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE! CONCENTRATE ON SERVICES AND NOT ON SHOWBIZ! You are EMPLOYEES of the People of Pampanga! You work for them and not the other way around.
I cannot blame these SO CALLED YOU KNOW if they do not wish support their fellow Kapampangan in the coming Presidential Elections, it is their belief and decision but for me it is nothing NEW! If they did not support him as a Governor then why support him as a Presidentiable? Nothing NEW...............
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Is There Hope For The Philippines?
By: Red Reyes
Many are saying that the Republic of the Philippines is hopeless
in achieving its glory. The problem lies not only in its corrupt leaders
but also in its the citizenry who have been trapped in its highly unfair
and grossly defective system of government. Majority of its masses
will quickly ask "What's in this for me”? Indeed, a great number of
them will choose leaders who can pay higher for their votes or, can
give greater favors for their personal interests.
As a result of these massive vote-buying, those who have been placed
in power and authority will be in an advantageous position of amassing
ill-gotten wealth from the nation's coffers , make and maintain their own
private army as well as enjoy the support of equally corrupt military
personnel who are within their monthly payroll. To this end, these
traditional and corrupt politicians will remain powerful and influential,
stronger and far richer. What is worse is that they will continue abusing
the rights of the Filipino people, especially the poor and underprivileged.
Within the series of recent historical events, the winds of change coming
from the high heavens direct our sights to the parting of dark clouds and
the gloriously bright appearing of the heavenly sun, signalling Dawning of
a Bright Tomorrow for the Philippines! THE FOLLOWING EVENTS WILL SAY THERE IS STILL HOPE FOR OUR BELOVED COUNTRY THE PHILIPPINES:
1. Among Eddie T. Panlilio is a humble and charitable priest of
Pampanga. He had no money, influence and political machinery
to run for a public office. But, similar to David, Among Ed won over,
not one, but two (2) giants - Governor Lapid, a Quarry Lord and Lilia
Pineda, the wife of alleged Jueteng Lord Bong Pineda. These two
giants have great influence in Malacanang. Their influence is strongly
incomparable with many leaders and politicians in the province of
Pampanga. However, due to the people's awakening and unity in the
fight against graft and corruption and the Crusade For Good Governance,
Governor Ed Panlilio is now leading and administering Good Governance
in the province of Pampanga.
2. Grace Padaca of Isabela was an ordinary radio announcer. Like Governor
Ed Panlilio, she had no money, power and political machinery. However,
like Governor Ed Panlilio, her Honesty and Integrity, won for her two (2)
consecutive terms as Governor of Isabela over the Dy family who had
reigned in her province for more than 30 years.
3, KASAUP was organised last year of 2008. Kasaup is an organization of
Municipal based Civil Society in the province of Pampanga to strengthen
the Crusade for Good Governance and Responsible Citizenship. They are
composed of people who willingly offered and sacrificed their time, talent,
energy and personal resources without looking for personal gains but
rather, to attain their common dream and vision of a better and corrupt-free
society, starting with the province of Pampanga and ultimately,
encompassing the entire country of the Philippines.
4. Kaya Natin!, founded in early 2008, is a national movement for Genuine
Good Governance and Ethical Leadership. Panlilio, Padaca and Robredo
are its founding members together with Keh, Mayor Sonia Lorenzo of
San Isidro , Nueva Ecija, and Ifugao Gov. Teodoro Baguilat Jr. Against
all odds, this movement is undauntedly pursuing, promoting and espousing
Good Governance and Ethical Leadership throughout the country, starting
in schools and campuses. As of this present time, this movement which is
propelled by its Deep Love For Country Under Almighty God's Banner of
Truth, Equality and Justice For All, is growing by leaps and bounds.
5. Jesus is Lord and Bangon Pilipinas, under the benevolent leadership of
Bro. Eddie Villanueva are offering their 101% support to the one who be
the Standard Bearer for this Crusade of Good and Godly Governance in
the coming 2010 Presidential Election.
6. Although some CBCP top officials, elected government officials and
concerned citizens who believe that Moral and Ethical Leadership are
the real solution to our country’s problem of corruption and moral
deterioration, have announced their support if Chief Justice Reynaldo
Puno, the great majority of God-fearing and righteous Filipinos
throughout the world clamour for and unanimously prefer the
nomination and candidacy of Governor Eddie Panlilio to the highest
office of the land in the coming 2010 Presidential Election, to lead the
Filipino Nation under a just system of Good and Godly Governance,
a Noble Crusade which this Man of God started.
7. Our relatives and friends as well as nationals of other nations from abroad
who firmly believe in this Noble Crusade started by Governor Ed Panlilio,
especially those in developed countries, have the Great and Burning Desire
to Fully Support him because they are seeing the Sweet Fruits of Good
Governance being enjoyed by their loved ones and friends in the Philippines.
They believe that under a Fair and Just System of Godly and Good
Governance in the Philippines, the Filipinos will likewise enjoy a better quality of life,
complete health care benefits and secured retirement pays.
Indeed, a lot of Filipinos are absolutely fed up with hopelessness,
what with all the false, unfulfilled promises of corrupt and traditional
politicians. Which is why this Noble Crusade For Good Governance
and Ethical Leadership is growing tremendously.
Filipinos are Longing and Clamouring for REAL AND GENUINE
CHANGE in our political system. Anyone who believe in this Noble crusade, let us keep STRONG, UNITED AND GET INVOLVED because the key to our success lies on our WISE AND DISCERNING ATTITUDE in choosing our true and great leaders especially in 2010.
GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES !
Many are saying that the Republic of the Philippines is hopeless
in achieving its glory. The problem lies not only in its corrupt leaders
but also in its the citizenry who have been trapped in its highly unfair
and grossly defective system of government. Majority of its masses
will quickly ask "What's in this for me”? Indeed, a great number of
them will choose leaders who can pay higher for their votes or, can
give greater favors for their personal interests.
As a result of these massive vote-buying, those who have been placed
in power and authority will be in an advantageous position of amassing
ill-gotten wealth from the nation's coffers , make and maintain their own
private army as well as enjoy the support of equally corrupt military
personnel who are within their monthly payroll. To this end, these
traditional and corrupt politicians will remain powerful and influential,
stronger and far richer. What is worse is that they will continue abusing
the rights of the Filipino people, especially the poor and underprivileged.
Within the series of recent historical events, the winds of change coming
from the high heavens direct our sights to the parting of dark clouds and
the gloriously bright appearing of the heavenly sun, signalling Dawning of
a Bright Tomorrow for the Philippines! THE FOLLOWING EVENTS WILL SAY THERE IS STILL HOPE FOR OUR BELOVED COUNTRY THE PHILIPPINES:
1. Among Eddie T. Panlilio is a humble and charitable priest of
Pampanga. He had no money, influence and political machinery
to run for a public office. But, similar to David, Among Ed won over,
not one, but two (2) giants - Governor Lapid, a Quarry Lord and Lilia
Pineda, the wife of alleged Jueteng Lord Bong Pineda. These two
giants have great influence in Malacanang. Their influence is strongly
incomparable with many leaders and politicians in the province of
Pampanga. However, due to the people's awakening and unity in the
fight against graft and corruption and the Crusade For Good Governance,
Governor Ed Panlilio is now leading and administering Good Governance
in the province of Pampanga.
2. Grace Padaca of Isabela was an ordinary radio announcer. Like Governor
Ed Panlilio, she had no money, power and political machinery. However,
like Governor Ed Panlilio, her Honesty and Integrity, won for her two (2)
consecutive terms as Governor of Isabela over the Dy family who had
reigned in her province for more than 30 years.
3, KASAUP was organised last year of 2008. Kasaup is an organization of
Municipal based Civil Society in the province of Pampanga to strengthen
the Crusade for Good Governance and Responsible Citizenship. They are
composed of people who willingly offered and sacrificed their time, talent,
energy and personal resources without looking for personal gains but
rather, to attain their common dream and vision of a better and corrupt-free
society, starting with the province of Pampanga and ultimately,
encompassing the entire country of the Philippines.
4. Kaya Natin!, founded in early 2008, is a national movement for Genuine
Good Governance and Ethical Leadership. Panlilio, Padaca and Robredo
are its founding members together with Keh, Mayor Sonia Lorenzo of
San Isidro , Nueva Ecija, and Ifugao Gov. Teodoro Baguilat Jr. Against
all odds, this movement is undauntedly pursuing, promoting and espousing
Good Governance and Ethical Leadership throughout the country, starting
in schools and campuses. As of this present time, this movement which is
propelled by its Deep Love For Country Under Almighty God's Banner of
Truth, Equality and Justice For All, is growing by leaps and bounds.
5. Jesus is Lord and Bangon Pilipinas, under the benevolent leadership of
Bro. Eddie Villanueva are offering their 101% support to the one who be
the Standard Bearer for this Crusade of Good and Godly Governance in
the coming 2010 Presidential Election.
6. Although some CBCP top officials, elected government officials and
concerned citizens who believe that Moral and Ethical Leadership are
the real solution to our country’s problem of corruption and moral
deterioration, have announced their support if Chief Justice Reynaldo
Puno, the great majority of God-fearing and righteous Filipinos
throughout the world clamour for and unanimously prefer the
nomination and candidacy of Governor Eddie Panlilio to the highest
office of the land in the coming 2010 Presidential Election, to lead the
Filipino Nation under a just system of Good and Godly Governance,
a Noble Crusade which this Man of God started.
7. Our relatives and friends as well as nationals of other nations from abroad
who firmly believe in this Noble Crusade started by Governor Ed Panlilio,
especially those in developed countries, have the Great and Burning Desire
to Fully Support him because they are seeing the Sweet Fruits of Good
Governance being enjoyed by their loved ones and friends in the Philippines.
They believe that under a Fair and Just System of Godly and Good
Governance in the Philippines, the Filipinos will likewise enjoy a better quality of life,
complete health care benefits and secured retirement pays.
Indeed, a lot of Filipinos are absolutely fed up with hopelessness,
what with all the false, unfulfilled promises of corrupt and traditional
politicians. Which is why this Noble Crusade For Good Governance
and Ethical Leadership is growing tremendously.
Filipinos are Longing and Clamouring for REAL AND GENUINE
CHANGE in our political system. Anyone who believe in this Noble crusade, let us keep STRONG, UNITED AND GET INVOLVED because the key to our success lies on our WISE AND DISCERNING ATTITUDE in choosing our true and great leaders especially in 2010.
GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES !
Friday, October 31, 2008
Bishops: Prepare for new gov't, liberators coming
Prepare for a new government as liberators are just around the corner?
Five senior Catholic bishops, led by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines president, Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, came up with intriguing statements during a press conference held yesterday in Intramuros, seemingly giving out signals that the CBCP is now ready to support a people power revolt against the Arroyo government which the bishops condemned as corrupt.
Lagdameo said now is the time to prepare for a new government and made mention of liberators being close at hand, along with serendipity playing a major role in bringing about these change in government and radical reforms in government.
Asked by reporters whether the statement, seen as the strongest yet coming from the bishops, members of the CBCP that is known to reject the people in their fight against the Arroyo government, was a call for the people to come together and organize an ouster of President Arroyo, the CBCP president replied that the decision rests on the Filipino people, as to what course of action they want to take in moving to put in place the needed “radical reforms.”
“What is needed is for the Filipino people to unite behind what their (united) response will be. As we stated earlier (in a pastoral letter) we have called for communal discernment and communal action.”
But this communal move, was, however, also dashed by the CBCP, stressing that this did not mean for nation to stage people power.
Lagdameo now, however, says that “the time to rebuild our country economically, socially, politically is now. The time for moral regeneration is now. The time to conquer complacency, cynicism and apathy and to prove that we have become mature from our political disappointments is now. The time to prepare a new government is now.”
He and the four other bishops, however, failed to state how these radical reforms are to be implemented, but they did make mention that there is a need for “liberators” to reform the country and to make it whole again, adding that Filipinos should not lose hope that changing the present system is futile. “In spite of the seemingly hopeless and negative prognosis, our liberation may yet serendipitously happen. We are dreaming, praying and hoping that our county may yet have the needed liberators.”
Lagdameo said he hopes that the liberators “will in a courageous peaceful way effectively and uncompromisingly reform our country.”
Present in the forum were Lingayen Archbishop Oscar Cruz, Bataan Bishop Socrates Villegas, Masbate Bishop Joel Baylon and Bishop Emeritus Jose Sorra.
Villegas said their statements are intended to awake the public’s conscience to have a better country.
“We are not here to bring you peace. We are here to disturb you. I’m praying to God that after this meeting, may the Lord trouble you because the trouble that comes from the Lord is going to make you a better person and it’s going to make the country a better country,” he said.
Villegas urged the public “not to be passive” but to engage “in active involvement” in effecting a change in governance. He noted that curbing corruption by only half of its present level would immensely benefit the country. “The problem is not population, the problem is rampant corruption,” Villegas said.
Lagdameo noted that rampant corruption in government continues to grow despite the church leaders having condemned the corruption in government.
“In the past few years up to today, we have watched how corruption has become endemic, massive, systemic and rampant in our politics. The faces and symptoms of corruption are overpriced projects, multi-billion scams of various kinds, election manipulations, anomalous transactions, bribery of both high and low, unsolved murders of media practitioners. Corruption is a social and moral cancer,” Lagdameo said, but stressed that he was not even speaking as the CBCP president, nor was he speaking for the body of bishops, saying his statements are those coming from of a bishop from Iloilo.
He also asked the people to stop being passive and apathetic, and for them to shed their cynicism.
Lingayen Archbishop, a critic of the Arroyo government, was clear in his statements to media that the corrupt can be found in Malacañang, and he noted the distinction of Mrs. Arroyo being the “most corrupt president” the country has ever had.
But he also said that the corruption committed under the Arroyo administration is something that cannot be dealt with by the human justice system.
“Corruption in such an extensive degree in the Philippines is a crime that cries to heaven for vengeance. Corruption in this country has become endemic, systemic, from top to bottom in government. Perhaps they may be given the punishment they deserve by the human justice system, but that’s not enough. Someone else—a higher authority— will punish them as they deserve,” said the former CBCP president.
Lagdameo in a statement said “as a consequences, corruption foremost in political election damages political legitimacy, integrity and competence. Corruption impedes economic development, worsens income inequity and poverty, endangers public order and safety. Corruption results in bureaucratic inefficiency and demoralization. Corruption begets bad politics, and bad politics begets further corruption”
Bishop Baylon who heads the Episcopal for youths cited an article which said “ in this country, we identify ourselves so easily with the victims of pickpockets or snatchers and throw these small time thieves to almost forever languish in prison. But when it comes to big-time crooks and public officials stealing billions upon billions of the people’s money, it takes forever to prove their crime. There is so much embarrassing hesitation and false respect to start mounting a campaign to show that corruption is worst form of crime, because it kills the common good, it kills the poor, it kills the country, it violates God’s commandments of ‘thou shall not steal, thou shall not kill”.
Bishop Borra sadi: “Is it any wonder that our country is tagged as the most corrupt in Asia and the 11th most corrupt among the 102 countries in the world, if we are not horrified, disgusted, exasperated and enraged by these realities, can we still say we love our country?’
Bishop Villegas said “ Who will pick up the broken, shattered pieces of our country, hurting from poverty and corruption, to make it whole again? In spite of the seemingly hopeless and negative prognosis, our liberation may yet serendipitously happen. We are dreaming, praying and hoping that our country may yet needed liberators, yes , liberators who will in a courageous peaceful way effectively and uncompromisingly reform our country,”
Malacañang, however, did not give much attention to the call of five bishops for the current government to prepare for a new government instrumental in averting the worsening corruption in the government.
According to Press Secretary Jesus Dureza, the five bishops are entitled to their opinion.
In a media briefing, Dureza stressed that the President, during the Cabinet meeting yesterday only discussed the emergency employment plan in the event of spillover of the global economic recession to the Philippines and the results of the Philippines participation to the 7th Asean Europe Meeting in Beijing, China.
With today’s call of the bishops, Dureza said that the bishops were just expressing their respective opinions on the government under President Arroyo. Pat C. Santos, Riza Recio and PNA
source: sent via Kapampangan Community Worldwide
Five senior Catholic bishops, led by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines president, Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, came up with intriguing statements during a press conference held yesterday in Intramuros, seemingly giving out signals that the CBCP is now ready to support a people power revolt against the Arroyo government which the bishops condemned as corrupt.
Lagdameo said now is the time to prepare for a new government and made mention of liberators being close at hand, along with serendipity playing a major role in bringing about these change in government and radical reforms in government.
Asked by reporters whether the statement, seen as the strongest yet coming from the bishops, members of the CBCP that is known to reject the people in their fight against the Arroyo government, was a call for the people to come together and organize an ouster of President Arroyo, the CBCP president replied that the decision rests on the Filipino people, as to what course of action they want to take in moving to put in place the needed “radical reforms.”
“What is needed is for the Filipino people to unite behind what their (united) response will be. As we stated earlier (in a pastoral letter) we have called for communal discernment and communal action.”
But this communal move, was, however, also dashed by the CBCP, stressing that this did not mean for nation to stage people power.
Lagdameo now, however, says that “the time to rebuild our country economically, socially, politically is now. The time for moral regeneration is now. The time to conquer complacency, cynicism and apathy and to prove that we have become mature from our political disappointments is now. The time to prepare a new government is now.”
He and the four other bishops, however, failed to state how these radical reforms are to be implemented, but they did make mention that there is a need for “liberators” to reform the country and to make it whole again, adding that Filipinos should not lose hope that changing the present system is futile. “In spite of the seemingly hopeless and negative prognosis, our liberation may yet serendipitously happen. We are dreaming, praying and hoping that our county may yet have the needed liberators.”
Lagdameo said he hopes that the liberators “will in a courageous peaceful way effectively and uncompromisingly reform our country.”
Present in the forum were Lingayen Archbishop Oscar Cruz, Bataan Bishop Socrates Villegas, Masbate Bishop Joel Baylon and Bishop Emeritus Jose Sorra.
Villegas said their statements are intended to awake the public’s conscience to have a better country.
“We are not here to bring you peace. We are here to disturb you. I’m praying to God that after this meeting, may the Lord trouble you because the trouble that comes from the Lord is going to make you a better person and it’s going to make the country a better country,” he said.
Villegas urged the public “not to be passive” but to engage “in active involvement” in effecting a change in governance. He noted that curbing corruption by only half of its present level would immensely benefit the country. “The problem is not population, the problem is rampant corruption,” Villegas said.
Lagdameo noted that rampant corruption in government continues to grow despite the church leaders having condemned the corruption in government.
“In the past few years up to today, we have watched how corruption has become endemic, massive, systemic and rampant in our politics. The faces and symptoms of corruption are overpriced projects, multi-billion scams of various kinds, election manipulations, anomalous transactions, bribery of both high and low, unsolved murders of media practitioners. Corruption is a social and moral cancer,” Lagdameo said, but stressed that he was not even speaking as the CBCP president, nor was he speaking for the body of bishops, saying his statements are those coming from of a bishop from Iloilo.
He also asked the people to stop being passive and apathetic, and for them to shed their cynicism.
Lingayen Archbishop, a critic of the Arroyo government, was clear in his statements to media that the corrupt can be found in Malacañang, and he noted the distinction of Mrs. Arroyo being the “most corrupt president” the country has ever had.
But he also said that the corruption committed under the Arroyo administration is something that cannot be dealt with by the human justice system.
“Corruption in such an extensive degree in the Philippines is a crime that cries to heaven for vengeance. Corruption in this country has become endemic, systemic, from top to bottom in government. Perhaps they may be given the punishment they deserve by the human justice system, but that’s not enough. Someone else—a higher authority— will punish them as they deserve,” said the former CBCP president.
Lagdameo in a statement said “as a consequences, corruption foremost in political election damages political legitimacy, integrity and competence. Corruption impedes economic development, worsens income inequity and poverty, endangers public order and safety. Corruption results in bureaucratic inefficiency and demoralization. Corruption begets bad politics, and bad politics begets further corruption”
Bishop Baylon who heads the Episcopal for youths cited an article which said “ in this country, we identify ourselves so easily with the victims of pickpockets or snatchers and throw these small time thieves to almost forever languish in prison. But when it comes to big-time crooks and public officials stealing billions upon billions of the people’s money, it takes forever to prove their crime. There is so much embarrassing hesitation and false respect to start mounting a campaign to show that corruption is worst form of crime, because it kills the common good, it kills the poor, it kills the country, it violates God’s commandments of ‘thou shall not steal, thou shall not kill”.
Bishop Borra sadi: “Is it any wonder that our country is tagged as the most corrupt in Asia and the 11th most corrupt among the 102 countries in the world, if we are not horrified, disgusted, exasperated and enraged by these realities, can we still say we love our country?’
Bishop Villegas said “ Who will pick up the broken, shattered pieces of our country, hurting from poverty and corruption, to make it whole again? In spite of the seemingly hopeless and negative prognosis, our liberation may yet serendipitously happen. We are dreaming, praying and hoping that our country may yet needed liberators, yes , liberators who will in a courageous peaceful way effectively and uncompromisingly reform our country,”
Malacañang, however, did not give much attention to the call of five bishops for the current government to prepare for a new government instrumental in averting the worsening corruption in the government.
According to Press Secretary Jesus Dureza, the five bishops are entitled to their opinion.
In a media briefing, Dureza stressed that the President, during the Cabinet meeting yesterday only discussed the emergency employment plan in the event of spillover of the global economic recession to the Philippines and the results of the Philippines participation to the 7th Asean Europe Meeting in Beijing, China.
With today’s call of the bishops, Dureza said that the bishops were just expressing their respective opinions on the government under President Arroyo. Pat C. Santos, Riza Recio and PNA
source: sent via Kapampangan Community Worldwide
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Albay mayor decided about doing a 'Panlilio' Local officials see the move of Mayor de los Angeles of Sto.Domingo indicative of his ambition to be guv
By Manny T. Ugalde
LEGAZPI CITY: After courageously coming out exposing local rackets such as illegal gambling including in small-town lottery operation and the bankrupt Albay Electric Cooperative, a mayor said he will continue in his crusade saying he would do a "Panlilio"—in reference to Gov. Ed Panlilio of Pampanga.
Businessman and Mayor Celso de los Angeles of Sto. Domingo in Albay said Panlilio's efforts in exposing irregularities in his province has gotten the support of bishops despite of his unpopularity among local officials.
De los Angeles had bought a radio program a year ago where he started exposing anomalous local transactions at the bankrupt Albay Electric Cooperative which was recently acquired by the National Power Corp. for rehabilitation.
De los Angeles said the lottery operation in Albay which is the only one in Bicol and managed by Pacific Rim Corp. have allegedly been misappropriating the remittance intended for municipalities, cities and the province in collaboration with local officials.
Local officials have interpreted de los Angeles moves as indicative of the mayor's ambition to become governor.
Adding support to de los Angeles efforts in combating corruption, the diocese of Legazpi issued its latest pastoral letter condemning jueteng and other forms of illegal gambling, including lottery.
Bishop Lucilo Quiambao of the Legazpi diocese said lottery has no right to operate in Albay because of the church objection saying the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) had issued certification to the effect that lottery cannot operate in places where objection is open and mounting.
The provincial board approved the Albay lottery operation in 2005 during the time of Gov. Fernando Gonzales in a hope it would stop jueteng. With lottery, however, jueteng operation has worsened using lottery as front.
The bishop said lottery does not operate in other Bicol provinces because of vigilant objection from local officials and the church.
Lawyer Joel Descallar, president of Pacific Rim Corporation that operates lottery in Albay denied the mayor's allegations.
In Tabaco City, residents said it is jueteng that operates while lottery is only a front.
De los angeles said he had long challenged provincial board member Harold Imperial, chair of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Games and Amusement Committee to conduct an investigation saying he was willing to testify. But Imperial has never dared to call for an investigation, de los Angeles said.
Recently, Gov. Joey Salceda of Albay asked the provincial Philippine National Police command and the PCSO to stop the lottery operation following negative publicities.
Both, the local PCSO office and the lottery operator said lottery operation would stop only if there is an order to stop from PCSO-Manila
According to de los Angeles, his detractors have been sending him threats through text messages saying they also resorted in painting his dozens of rural banks as in collapse through publicity. He said all these would not stop him from doing a "Panlilio."
LEGAZPI CITY: After courageously coming out exposing local rackets such as illegal gambling including in small-town lottery operation and the bankrupt Albay Electric Cooperative, a mayor said he will continue in his crusade saying he would do a "Panlilio"—in reference to Gov. Ed Panlilio of Pampanga.
Businessman and Mayor Celso de los Angeles of Sto. Domingo in Albay said Panlilio's efforts in exposing irregularities in his province has gotten the support of bishops despite of his unpopularity among local officials.
De los Angeles had bought a radio program a year ago where he started exposing anomalous local transactions at the bankrupt Albay Electric Cooperative which was recently acquired by the National Power Corp. for rehabilitation.
De los Angeles said the lottery operation in Albay which is the only one in Bicol and managed by Pacific Rim Corp. have allegedly been misappropriating the remittance intended for municipalities, cities and the province in collaboration with local officials.
Local officials have interpreted de los Angeles moves as indicative of the mayor's ambition to become governor.
Adding support to de los Angeles efforts in combating corruption, the diocese of Legazpi issued its latest pastoral letter condemning jueteng and other forms of illegal gambling, including lottery.
Bishop Lucilo Quiambao of the Legazpi diocese said lottery has no right to operate in Albay because of the church objection saying the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) had issued certification to the effect that lottery cannot operate in places where objection is open and mounting.
The provincial board approved the Albay lottery operation in 2005 during the time of Gov. Fernando Gonzales in a hope it would stop jueteng. With lottery, however, jueteng operation has worsened using lottery as front.
The bishop said lottery does not operate in other Bicol provinces because of vigilant objection from local officials and the church.
Lawyer Joel Descallar, president of Pacific Rim Corporation that operates lottery in Albay denied the mayor's allegations.
In Tabaco City, residents said it is jueteng that operates while lottery is only a front.
De los angeles said he had long challenged provincial board member Harold Imperial, chair of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Games and Amusement Committee to conduct an investigation saying he was willing to testify. But Imperial has never dared to call for an investigation, de los Angeles said.
Recently, Gov. Joey Salceda of Albay asked the provincial Philippine National Police command and the PCSO to stop the lottery operation following negative publicities.
Both, the local PCSO office and the lottery operator said lottery operation would stop only if there is an order to stop from PCSO-Manila
According to de los Angeles, his detractors have been sending him threats through text messages saying they also resorted in painting his dozens of rural banks as in collapse through publicity. He said all these would not stop him from doing a "Panlilio."
Monday, September 29, 2008
"The Power of Insurgence" CORRUPTION etc.
by POKAT
CORRUPTION. How can concerned government agencies possibly treat this problemwhen our Non Corrupt Governor of Pampanga Among ed Panlilio, a member of"Kaya Natin" (Good Governance) movement is being grilled and pressuredsince day one as Governor and presently under petition (with pending recountpetition at SC) purportedly initiated by Kapanalig at Kambilan ning MemalenPampanga (Kambilan) for recall which was also pushed by most of the localofficials of Pampanga province, especially the mayors, board members and thevice governor.
KAMBILAN is headed by Engr. Rosve Henson, campaign manager of Ms. Lilia Pineda,a former board member who lost in the gubernatorial race last May 2007 election.
They set obstacles on his every way, put up hurdles to obstruct his program,and making life difficult for him. They could not wait for him to finish his term quietly.
So sad.
"Support Crusade for Good Governance and Responsible Citizenship"
CORRUPTION. How can concerned government agencies possibly treat this problemwhen our Non Corrupt Governor of Pampanga Among ed Panlilio, a member of"Kaya Natin" (Good Governance) movement is being grilled and pressuredsince day one as Governor and presently under petition (with pending recountpetition at SC) purportedly initiated by Kapanalig at Kambilan ning MemalenPampanga (Kambilan) for recall which was also pushed by most of the localofficials of Pampanga province, especially the mayors, board members and thevice governor.
KAMBILAN is headed by Engr. Rosve Henson, campaign manager of Ms. Lilia Pineda,a former board member who lost in the gubernatorial race last May 2007 election.
They set obstacles on his every way, put up hurdles to obstruct his program,and making life difficult for him. They could not wait for him to finish his term quietly.
So sad.
"Support Crusade for Good Governance and Responsible Citizenship"
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
KDP STATEMENT
Gov. Ed Panlilio Recall Campaign: A Malacañang Orchestrated Scheme
Less than 18 months into his first term as governor of Pampanga, “among” (Fr.) Ed Panlilio faces a well-funded recall campaign against him. The recall campaigners, organized as Kambilan, keep mum about the source of their finances though the province is awash with stories about money flows from Malacañang and the jueteng lord and lady. Circumstances nevertheless expose the forces and their motives behind he recall move.
The Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya - Central Luzon (KPD-CL) sees this as another case of Malacañang’s handiwork. In the kind of elitist politics the Philippines has, how could Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) be relaxed and comfortable with her own home-province if its governor is neither her ally nor supporter? Its less than 2 years before the 2010 elections!
Just a few months into his post as governor, Ed Panlilio exposed the P500,000 payola he received when he went to Malacañang. This was his second, but bigger sin against the Malacañang resident. But among Ed’s original sin was defeating the Malacañang -favored gambling queen and quarry prince gubernatorial candidates in the May 2007 elections.
Fr. Ed was the people’s reluctant candidate. The Pampanga residents were tired and fed-up with 12 years of harlequin governorship that was consistently marred by corruption, especially on the quarry operations. They wouldn’t take a jueteng queen for a replacement. So the people sought a priest to be their candidate.
KPD views the victory of Gov. Ed Panlilio, like that of Gov. Padaca of Isabela and a few mayors, breached the prevailing elite politics of local dynasties. These were few and isolated cases of people’s assertion of their will through electoral struggle.
The peculiarity however of among Ed is not only his being a priest. He is the governor of a first class province where the home town Lubao of GMA is located.
Whatever his limitations, mistakes and shortcomings in the last 15 months should be viewed and judged in the particular circumstances that his governorship is in.
As in the election period, among Ed would have to rely on the people in this new challenge being thrown against him by the forces of corruption and gambling riddled elite politics. The people would have to defend their gains or these are reversed by the Malacañang’s breed
Less than 18 months into his first term as governor of Pampanga, “among” (Fr.) Ed Panlilio faces a well-funded recall campaign against him. The recall campaigners, organized as Kambilan, keep mum about the source of their finances though the province is awash with stories about money flows from Malacañang and the jueteng lord and lady. Circumstances nevertheless expose the forces and their motives behind he recall move.
The Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya - Central Luzon (KPD-CL) sees this as another case of Malacañang’s handiwork. In the kind of elitist politics the Philippines has, how could Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) be relaxed and comfortable with her own home-province if its governor is neither her ally nor supporter? Its less than 2 years before the 2010 elections!
Just a few months into his post as governor, Ed Panlilio exposed the P500,000 payola he received when he went to Malacañang. This was his second, but bigger sin against the Malacañang resident. But among Ed’s original sin was defeating the Malacañang -favored gambling queen and quarry prince gubernatorial candidates in the May 2007 elections.
Fr. Ed was the people’s reluctant candidate. The Pampanga residents were tired and fed-up with 12 years of harlequin governorship that was consistently marred by corruption, especially on the quarry operations. They wouldn’t take a jueteng queen for a replacement. So the people sought a priest to be their candidate.
KPD views the victory of Gov. Ed Panlilio, like that of Gov. Padaca of Isabela and a few mayors, breached the prevailing elite politics of local dynasties. These were few and isolated cases of people’s assertion of their will through electoral struggle.
The peculiarity however of among Ed is not only his being a priest. He is the governor of a first class province where the home town Lubao of GMA is located.
Whatever his limitations, mistakes and shortcomings in the last 15 months should be viewed and judged in the particular circumstances that his governorship is in.
As in the election period, among Ed would have to rely on the people in this new challenge being thrown against him by the forces of corruption and gambling riddled elite politics. The people would have to defend their gains or these are reversed by the Malacañang’s breed
STATEMENT FROM BAGONG ALYANSANG MAKABAYAN-GITNANG LUSON
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
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Tantingco: Saving the governor
By Robby Tantingco
(SunStar Pampanga)
NOW that they're seriously pursuing the recall option-meaning, they really want to get Among Ed out of office -- it's time to sound the clarion call to all you men of goodwill out there: Save the Governor!
Because, if you don't, who will?
He has no political party or machinery that will come to his rescue, and there is not a single elected official out there whom he can count on in times of trouble -- not the vice governor, not the board members, not the mayors or their vice mayors and municipal councilors -- my God, not even barangay chairmen and barangay councilors.
Even his own circle of supporters -- including his financiers, his legal counsel, his chief of staff, his campaign manager -- have either parted ways with him or stayed away from him.
It now appears that Among Ed's enemies and friends have formed a tactical alliance and reached a critical mass that's enough to topple him from power.
If that happens, then it's a sad day for Pampanga.
The good fight that we fought last year and the victory that we achieved over old-style politics would be all for naught. The miracle of people power that stirred the imagination of the democratic world would amount to nothing, after all. The long months of sacrifice by so many heroic people, including the ultimate sacrifice made by that one martyr from Betis, would all be squandered by one weak moment of disunity.
There are some of us who walked away from Among Gob because, well, we went back to our daily lives. There are those who were disillusioned by him, either because his promised reforms are too slow in coming or because he refuses to fire his controversial administrator. And I'm sure there are those who left because they thought it was payback time and got offended when Among Gob did not give them any favors.
Well, whatever your reasons for leaving are, you can set them aside because we have a bigger problem at hand: We are in danger of losing not just Among Gob. We are losing this one golden chance of regaining our pride as a people.
Pampanga has a history of greatness. We were already a nation with a fully functioning civilization before the Spaniards colonized us. Yet even the Spaniards were amazed at the beauty and richness of our land (they called Pampanga "the new Spain") and by the character and talents of our people (they called Kapampangans "the Castilians of these islands").
They were so impressed with Kapampangans that they entrusted their entire army to us and opened their exclusive schools to us. Thus, we produced the first Filipino priests, doctors and writers, achieved a golden age of literature, became the capital of the Philippines, and helped this country gain its independence.
We were on our way to more greatness when somewhere along the way, we were sidetracked by mismanagement of our province by a string of corrupt and inept leaders, by our dependence on a giant US military base, by a volcanic eruption, and by a slow but steady deterioration of our culture and language.
We used to be proud and vain and accustomed to being the center of attention.
Gradually, through the years, but especially after Pinatubo forced us down to our knees, we lost it. The lasting image that the world has of Kapampangans is the image of men, women and children, stripped of all pride and dignity, crawling on lahar like dogs stuck in mud, and lining up in evacuation centers for their daily ration of rice and sardines.
Of course, eventually we achieved economic recovery and cultural reawakening, but it was only last year, in that one glorious moment during the elections, that Kapampangans truly regained their pride as a people as they proved to the world that the two goliaths of Philippine politics -- celebrity and money -- could be defeated after all by prayer and people power.
That was not Among Ed alone. That was all of us.
In the same manner, if Among Ed fails, it won't just be Among Ed, but all of us.
Whatever our gripes against Among Ed, and whatever his flaws, let's save him. It's not actually him we are saving, but the crusade he started -- the crusade for good governance and for higher ethical and moral standards among government officials and workers.
Even his enemies know in their hearts that Among Ed is the best man to lead this crusade. He may not be the most politically astute and most qualified governor, but they know he is the only leader who can lead this crusade with credibility.
The reason the Constitution limited the term of office of elected local officials to three years (instead of six) is precisely so that they can be voted out soon enough before they do more harm.
Among Ed has finished one year and has two more years to go. What terrible thing has he done -- what outrageous misconduct or malfeasance -- that we want him out now?
Why should we go through another long, tedious, divisive and expensive recall election just to get him out and replace him with another who will, for all we know, be even worse?
If we so dislike Among Ed, let's not reelect him in the next election, which is barely 20 months from today. But remove him from office after only a year? Even a simple employee gets two years of probation under the law.
I respect the right of the recall movement organizers to express their disappointment for Among Ed, and to express it in the constitutionally mandated process of recall election. I am sure that they sincerely believe Among Ed doesn't have what it takes to be governor, and I am sure they sincerely want to save the province from what they consider to be an inept leader.
But I also believe there are those who will hitch a ride on the bandwagon of the recall movement with motives other than the welfare of the Kapampangan people -- motives like getting another shot at the position for their losing candidate, and motives like getting even with Among Ed for a business proposal he disapproved or a request he did not grant or a bad experience with his controversial administrator.
I urge them to look into their hearts and think of the interest of the province instead of their own. I urge them to hold another dialogue, or better, a series of dialogues, with the governor -- only this time, no cameras and no audience, so that there will be no grandstanding, only a sincere reaching out to the other side and trying to understand why the other side is doing what it's doing.
They will realize that a dialogue is easier, cheaper, less traumatic and ultimately more rewarding than a recall election.
It won't oust Among Ed, but it will save the province.
(SunStar Pampanga)
NOW that they're seriously pursuing the recall option-meaning, they really want to get Among Ed out of office -- it's time to sound the clarion call to all you men of goodwill out there: Save the Governor!
Because, if you don't, who will?
He has no political party or machinery that will come to his rescue, and there is not a single elected official out there whom he can count on in times of trouble -- not the vice governor, not the board members, not the mayors or their vice mayors and municipal councilors -- my God, not even barangay chairmen and barangay councilors.
Even his own circle of supporters -- including his financiers, his legal counsel, his chief of staff, his campaign manager -- have either parted ways with him or stayed away from him.
It now appears that Among Ed's enemies and friends have formed a tactical alliance and reached a critical mass that's enough to topple him from power.
If that happens, then it's a sad day for Pampanga.
The good fight that we fought last year and the victory that we achieved over old-style politics would be all for naught. The miracle of people power that stirred the imagination of the democratic world would amount to nothing, after all. The long months of sacrifice by so many heroic people, including the ultimate sacrifice made by that one martyr from Betis, would all be squandered by one weak moment of disunity.
There are some of us who walked away from Among Gob because, well, we went back to our daily lives. There are those who were disillusioned by him, either because his promised reforms are too slow in coming or because he refuses to fire his controversial administrator. And I'm sure there are those who left because they thought it was payback time and got offended when Among Gob did not give them any favors.
Well, whatever your reasons for leaving are, you can set them aside because we have a bigger problem at hand: We are in danger of losing not just Among Gob. We are losing this one golden chance of regaining our pride as a people.
Pampanga has a history of greatness. We were already a nation with a fully functioning civilization before the Spaniards colonized us. Yet even the Spaniards were amazed at the beauty and richness of our land (they called Pampanga "the new Spain") and by the character and talents of our people (they called Kapampangans "the Castilians of these islands").
They were so impressed with Kapampangans that they entrusted their entire army to us and opened their exclusive schools to us. Thus, we produced the first Filipino priests, doctors and writers, achieved a golden age of literature, became the capital of the Philippines, and helped this country gain its independence.
We were on our way to more greatness when somewhere along the way, we were sidetracked by mismanagement of our province by a string of corrupt and inept leaders, by our dependence on a giant US military base, by a volcanic eruption, and by a slow but steady deterioration of our culture and language.
We used to be proud and vain and accustomed to being the center of attention.
Gradually, through the years, but especially after Pinatubo forced us down to our knees, we lost it. The lasting image that the world has of Kapampangans is the image of men, women and children, stripped of all pride and dignity, crawling on lahar like dogs stuck in mud, and lining up in evacuation centers for their daily ration of rice and sardines.
Of course, eventually we achieved economic recovery and cultural reawakening, but it was only last year, in that one glorious moment during the elections, that Kapampangans truly regained their pride as a people as they proved to the world that the two goliaths of Philippine politics -- celebrity and money -- could be defeated after all by prayer and people power.
That was not Among Ed alone. That was all of us.
In the same manner, if Among Ed fails, it won't just be Among Ed, but all of us.
Whatever our gripes against Among Ed, and whatever his flaws, let's save him. It's not actually him we are saving, but the crusade he started -- the crusade for good governance and for higher ethical and moral standards among government officials and workers.
Even his enemies know in their hearts that Among Ed is the best man to lead this crusade. He may not be the most politically astute and most qualified governor, but they know he is the only leader who can lead this crusade with credibility.
The reason the Constitution limited the term of office of elected local officials to three years (instead of six) is precisely so that they can be voted out soon enough before they do more harm.
Among Ed has finished one year and has two more years to go. What terrible thing has he done -- what outrageous misconduct or malfeasance -- that we want him out now?
Why should we go through another long, tedious, divisive and expensive recall election just to get him out and replace him with another who will, for all we know, be even worse?
If we so dislike Among Ed, let's not reelect him in the next election, which is barely 20 months from today. But remove him from office after only a year? Even a simple employee gets two years of probation under the law.
I respect the right of the recall movement organizers to express their disappointment for Among Ed, and to express it in the constitutionally mandated process of recall election. I am sure that they sincerely believe Among Ed doesn't have what it takes to be governor, and I am sure they sincerely want to save the province from what they consider to be an inept leader.
But I also believe there are those who will hitch a ride on the bandwagon of the recall movement with motives other than the welfare of the Kapampangan people -- motives like getting another shot at the position for their losing candidate, and motives like getting even with Among Ed for a business proposal he disapproved or a request he did not grant or a bad experience with his controversial administrator.
I urge them to look into their hearts and think of the interest of the province instead of their own. I urge them to hold another dialogue, or better, a series of dialogues, with the governor -- only this time, no cameras and no audience, so that there will be no grandstanding, only a sincere reaching out to the other side and trying to understand why the other side is doing what it's doing.
They will realize that a dialogue is easier, cheaper, less traumatic and ultimately more rewarding than a recall election.
It won't oust Among Ed, but it will save the province.
A Prescription for Cancer
While the pervasive political graft and corruption amidst us is a disgrace to our nation and our people, a rape against all of us, those officials who obviously accept and practice them, and those who support this social cancer, are worse than the malignant crooks themselves. Their perverted senses of right and wrong, of justice, crime and punishment, are pathologic and sickening.
Take the case of Governor Ed Panlilio of Pampanga, a penniless priest, who won the election fairly and squarely against two well-entrenched “unbeatable’ powerful kingpins with well-funded political machineries in his province. In spite of his proven integrity, honesty, transparency and accountability, and glaringly obvious love and compassion for his constituents, his province, and his country since he took office, Governor Panlilio is being targeted by his enemies and their misguided supporters who are trying hard to punish him and oust him --- through a failed recount, now a recall, and as rumored, possibly (God forbid), through “requiem.” (This last option would be the greatest and the gravest blunder the opposition could make.)
The question is: Why are some people now punishing a moral and law-abiding leader who is fighting graft and corruption, and allowing criminals to go free and unpunished, unabated in their plunder of our cities, provinces, and the nation, as more than 30% of our people are languishing in poverty? This is, indeed, extreme perversion and a mockery of justice! Aren’t we supposed to punish the criminals and reward the law-abiding citizens, and not the other way around?
This problem is not only of Pampanga and of the kapampangans. This is a problem for the entire Filipino nation. What is bad for Pampanga is bad for any other province in the country. What is good for Pampanga is good for the entire nation and the Filipinos in general. Let every Filipino, wherever he or she might be, rally behind Pampanga and its great people. The Pampanga experiment is an effective prescription for the political cancer that is ravaging the entire country
The Filipinos in the Philippines and around the world have the moral and socio-civic obligation to support men of caliber, moral fiber, compassion, and incorruptible integrity like Governor Panlilio, Isabela Governor Grace Padaca, Ifugao province Governor Teddy Baguilat, Jr., Naga City Mayor Jesse M. Robredo, San Isidro Mayor Sonia Lorenzo, San Fernando Mayor Oscar Rodriguez, and all other political leaders in the likes of them, and socio-civic champions like Tony Meloto of Gawad Kalinga, and aid in the national rebuilding of our beloved country, to a new nation, a just, honorable, and compassionate one, where war is waged, not against good people but against corruption and poverty, one which we and our children and the future generations can cherish with honor, dignity and pride within the international community of nations around the world.
To our fellow Filipinos, at home and around the globe: Let us start a revolution, not a revolution of arms, where blood shall be shed, but a revolution of ideals and principles, where our sweat and tears shall bathe the nation clean.
The power is in our hands, and the grasp, within our reach. Indeed, Kaya Natin!
The window of opportunity is here. Let’s unite and go for a miracle. Our ailing nation and our suffering people deserve one.
Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS
Chairman
Filipino United Network (USA)
Take the case of Governor Ed Panlilio of Pampanga, a penniless priest, who won the election fairly and squarely against two well-entrenched “unbeatable’ powerful kingpins with well-funded political machineries in his province. In spite of his proven integrity, honesty, transparency and accountability, and glaringly obvious love and compassion for his constituents, his province, and his country since he took office, Governor Panlilio is being targeted by his enemies and their misguided supporters who are trying hard to punish him and oust him --- through a failed recount, now a recall, and as rumored, possibly (God forbid), through “requiem.” (This last option would be the greatest and the gravest blunder the opposition could make.)
The question is: Why are some people now punishing a moral and law-abiding leader who is fighting graft and corruption, and allowing criminals to go free and unpunished, unabated in their plunder of our cities, provinces, and the nation, as more than 30% of our people are languishing in poverty? This is, indeed, extreme perversion and a mockery of justice! Aren’t we supposed to punish the criminals and reward the law-abiding citizens, and not the other way around?
This problem is not only of Pampanga and of the kapampangans. This is a problem for the entire Filipino nation. What is bad for Pampanga is bad for any other province in the country. What is good for Pampanga is good for the entire nation and the Filipinos in general. Let every Filipino, wherever he or she might be, rally behind Pampanga and its great people. The Pampanga experiment is an effective prescription for the political cancer that is ravaging the entire country
The Filipinos in the Philippines and around the world have the moral and socio-civic obligation to support men of caliber, moral fiber, compassion, and incorruptible integrity like Governor Panlilio, Isabela Governor Grace Padaca, Ifugao province Governor Teddy Baguilat, Jr., Naga City Mayor Jesse M. Robredo, San Isidro Mayor Sonia Lorenzo, San Fernando Mayor Oscar Rodriguez, and all other political leaders in the likes of them, and socio-civic champions like Tony Meloto of Gawad Kalinga, and aid in the national rebuilding of our beloved country, to a new nation, a just, honorable, and compassionate one, where war is waged, not against good people but against corruption and poverty, one which we and our children and the future generations can cherish with honor, dignity and pride within the international community of nations around the world.
To our fellow Filipinos, at home and around the globe: Let us start a revolution, not a revolution of arms, where blood shall be shed, but a revolution of ideals and principles, where our sweat and tears shall bathe the nation clean.
The power is in our hands, and the grasp, within our reach. Indeed, Kaya Natin!
The window of opportunity is here. Let’s unite and go for a miracle. Our ailing nation and our suffering people deserve one.
Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS
Chairman
Filipino United Network (USA)
Friday, September 12, 2008
Saan Ang Ugat Ng Mga Katiwalian Sa Ating Pamahalaan?
by CARLOS M. CASTRO
Mga Kabalen, ipagpaumanhin po ninyo ang sasabihin ko. Kahit po ano paang gawin natin hindi na natin mapipigil ang corruption sa ating bansa. Hindi sa nawawalan na ako ng pag-asa at tiwala sa mga nanunungkulan sa ating pamahalaan. Dapat po nating harapin ang katotohanan at tanggapin ang ugat ng katiwalian sa ating bansa upangito ay ating malunasan.Sa aking palagay ang ugat ng katiwalian ay ang ating halalan naginaganap tuwing ikatlong taon. Tingnan po natin ang mga bagay na ito:
1. Masyadong madalas ang ating eleksyon. Sa isang bagong halal na opisyal, lalo na isang walang karanasan –tulad ni Among Ed - angunang taon niya ay puro pag-aaral at re-organization lamang ang nagagawa niya. Dahil sa re-organization maraming mga intriga atproblema siyang haharapin sa pagpili ng mga taong makakasama niya. Angmga dating empleyado ang nagkakaroon ng sense of insecurity. Anglalong mabigat ay ang kanyang pakikitungo sa mga ibang halal naopisyal na kalaban niya sa pulitika. Ang mga tumulong sa kanya sa eleksyon ay problema din sapagka't lahat ay may vested interest atgusto ring magkaroon ng puwesto o mapagkakitaan. Pag-aaralan din niyaang mga programa ng dating nanungkulan – kung ito ba ay ititigil niya,ipagpapatuloy o babaguhin. Ang magandang halimbawa ay ang nangyayari sa ating Kapitolyo – kay Among Ed. Marami sa kanyang mga kritiko ang nagsasabi na wala siyang nagawa sa loob ng isang taon. Kung totoo manito, dahil na rin sa mga problemang kanyang hinarap.
2. Sa pangalawang taon, doon pa lamang siya magsisimulang mag-implement ng kanyang mga programa o plano. Doon pa lamang niya malalaman ang mga pasikut-sikut sa pakikitungo sa ating national government at paghingi ng mga proyekto sa mga Department Heads,Congressmen at Senators at pagkakaroon ng "connection" sa mga matataas na opisyal ng ating national government. Doon pa lamang niya matututunan ang maraming batas sa administration, finance, at mga technical na gawain. Marami sa mga pumapasok sa pulitika ang walangkaalam-alam sa Local Government Code. Kaya sila ay nangangapa sa umpisa.
3. Sa pangatlong taon, bubulabugin na siya ng kanyang mga liders. Eleksiyon na! Magsisimula na siyang guluhin ng kanyang mga kalaban sa pulitika at magsisimula na niyang ituon ang kanyang hangarin na mare-elect siya. Hindi kasya ang 45 days sa pangagampanya, kaya isang taon bago mag-eleksyon ay nagsisimula na siyang mangampanyang muli.Diyan din magsisimula ang mga paninira sa kanya ng mga may nais napumalit sa kanya. (Tingnan niyo ang mga kalaban ni Among Ed. Di sila makapaghintay. Gusto na nilang magkaroon ng eleksyon ulit! Di pa mannangangalahati ang tatlong taon. Ang tindi talaga. Sobra ang pulitika sa atin sapagkat napakaiksi nang pagitan ng mga eleksyon. Wala ka pang nagagawa halalan na naman.)
4. Sa madaling salita, isang taon lang ang masasabi nating nagagamit sa epektibong pamamahala. Anong maasahan mong magagawa ng isang baguhang opisyal sa loob ng isang taon lamang? Kaya mabagal ang pag-unlad sa ating bayan. Hindi ba puwedeng dagdagan nang kahit isang taon man lang para maging apat na taon ulit?
5. Ngayon, ito ang matindi. Ang isang baguhang kandidato, upang makasiguro ng panalo, kailangang malayo pa ang eleksyon ay "magtanim"na siya. Ibig sabihin "gumasta" na siya para mapalapit siya at makilala ng mga tao. Lahat ng piesta pupuntahan niya, magpapainom siya, magbibigay ng contribution, papremyo, banda ng musiko, etc. Malaki ang nagagasta nang isang baguhang kandidato at ito'y galing lahat sa sariling bulsa. Sa isang maliit na bayan, sa tingin ko,pinakamaliit na ang limang milyong piso ang gagastusin nang isangbaguhang kandidatong mayor para siya makasiguro nang panalo. Kaya hindi nakapagtataka kung bakit ang mga may pera lamang ang nananalo saeleksyon. Iyong mga walang pera kahit na qualified, dead ball, walang chance. (Milagro ang nangyari kay Among Ed. Exception to the rule, ika nga. Nanalo nga siya, pero tingnan naman natin ang nangyayari sakanya ngayon. Naniningil na ang mga tumulong sa kanya na hindi niyanagantihan o natulungan. Akala ko pa naman ay natuto na tayo. Hindi papala. Nakakalungkot. )
6. Limang Milyong Piso! Wow! Bakit siya gagastos ng ganoong kalaki?Simple lang. Sa pamimili ng boto, sa mga propaganda materials, sa mga watchers, mga pakain, mga meetings at miting de avance, mga lidersna laging humihingi ng pangastos, sa transportasyon at gasolina, mga nagsasamantala tuwing eleksiyon, iyong mga hindi boboto sa iyo kung hindi mo sila babayaran, marami pang iba. Wew! Grabe! Magkano baang allowed ng Comelec na dapat gastusin ng isang kandidato bawat botante? P10.00 lang yata. Nasusunod ba iyon? Pag sinunod mo iyon ng buong katapatan, mananalo ka ba? Imposible. Di ba? Ay naku! Waepek ang batas na ito.
7. Heto pa. Magkano lang ba ang suweldo ng isang Mayor? Malaki na angP30,000.00 sa isang buwan. Sa loob ng isang taon, P360,000.00 lamangat sa loob ng tatlong taon, P1,080,000.00 lamang. Lugi pa siya nangP3,920,000.00! Paano niya mababawi ito? Paano?
8. Hindi lang iyon ang nagagastos niya. Kapag naka-upo na siya, halos linggo-linggo nag-aanak silang mag-asawa sa kasal. Bilang mayor, dapat may sasakyan siya, may bodyguard, laging nagbibiyahe sa Maynila sapag-follow-up ng mga projects. Marami siyang bisita lagi sa bahay, mgaliders, at mga tiga-gubierno. Siyempre bilang mayor tataas ng kontiang lifestyle. Di ba? Ano, poor? Tuwing darating siya sa municipyonakapila na ang humihingi ng pambili ng bigas, gamot, pati pambayad ng koriyente sa bahay, hindi mailabas ang maysakit sa hospital, at marami pang iba. May nagsasabi na mas magastos pa raw kapag naka-upo ka nakaysa sa panahon ng eleksyon. Aray ko po! Kung ganoon, kaawa-awangmayor, saan niya kukunin lahat ito? Abunado pa siya sa suweldo niya.
9. Saan nga ba? Hindi ko alam kung totoo ito. Narinig ko lang napinag-uusapan ng iba. Sa jueting daw, illegal gambling, sa mgaporsiyento sa mga projects galing sa mga contractors, mga "lagay" parasa approval ng mga permits, mga "goose projects", over-pricing ng mgapurchases, binubulsa ang mga collections sa palengke (sa quarry?), mgapaabot na galing kung saan-saan, at marami pang iba. Ayon! Maramipalang pinagkukunan. Kaya pala may nagsasabi na malaking negosyo anggubiyerno.
10. Hindi ba bawal iyon? Hindi ba ang mga iyon ay corruption? "Oo. Pero, anong magagawa ko? Kung hindi ko gagawin iyon, saan ako kukuhang perang gagastusin ko? Paano ko mababawi ang mga ginastos sanakaraang eleksiyon at saan ko kukunin ang gagastusin sa darating naeleksiyon? Ano ako, baliw? Alangan namang sa sariling bulsa ko lagimangagaling ang mga ginagasta ko. Naglilingkod na nga ako, gusto paninyo mag-abono ako? Aba, hindi ba kalokohan iyon? Mangungurakot manako, sinusuka ko rin naman ito tuwing eleksiyon, di ba? Puwera sanangyaring milagro kay Among Ed, mananalo ba ako kung hindi akomamimili ng boto?" Iyan po ang katuwiran ng maraming trapongpulitiko. Tama o mali? Isa pa: "Padre, wala pa akong nakikitang natutupad mo sa mga pangako mo sa eleksyon ah." Sagot ng pulitiko ay ito: "Pangako? Huwang mong intintidihin iyon. Mag-ipon muna ako ng pera, total binibili lang naman ang mga iyan. Kahit na anongkabutihan ang gawin mo, kung wala kang pera sa eleksyon ibabasura kalang ng mga iyan." Ah? Ganoon ba? Aray ko po!!! Kawawang bayan ko,kailan ka kaya uunlad? 11. Ngayon, ang tanong: Saan ang ugat ng mga katiwalian?
(a) Isipinna lang, isa kang mayor – nasa iyo lahat ang problema nang buongbayan, at hindi ka mahahalal kung di gagasta ng malaking pera(mamumuhunan ka muna), pagkatapos ang suweldo mo kada buwan P30,000.00lang. Daig ka pa ng isang ordinaryong manager sa isang pribadongkumpanya. Anong ibig ipahiwatig nito? Mangurakot ka para mapagkasyamo ang suweldo mo. Di ba?
(b) Bakit gumagastos ng malaki ang mgakandidato? Tayong mga botante mismo ang nagbubungsod sa kanila. Paanopag nabalitaan nating kakandidato ang isang tao, malayo pa ang halalanpanay na ang hingi natin sa kanya ng pera, mga kontribusyon sa piesta,sayawan, mga palaro – uniform, T-shirts, bola, pagpapagawa ngartesian wells, scholarships, painom dito painom doon, at kung anu-anopa. Pagdating ng araw ng eleksyon, hihingi pa tayo ng pamasahe paramaka-uwi. Yari ka, pag di ka nagbigay!
(c) Pagkatapos ng eleksyon,manalo ka man o matalo, baon ka na sa utang sa pera at sa utang naloob sa mga tumulong saiyo. Problema: paano mo ngayon mababayaran angmga utang mo? Nandiyan na ang mga naniningil na printers, soundsystem, sasakyan na inarkila, mga "beer" at kape na inutang satindahan nang hindi mo alam, etc, etc. Ayyyy, naku!
12. Ano ang dapat gawin ng isang magiting na opisyal na nangako ng good governance tulad ni Among Ed? Kapag sumunod ka sa batas, lalo nasa mga COA regulations, matagal bago ka makapagsimula at marami angmagagalit sa iyo. Sasabihin nila masyado kang mahigpit. If you don'twant to compromise your principles and conviction at gusto mongsumunod sa batas, hindi ka raw "cut out" para maging opisyal nanggobyerno. Dapat daw sa simbahan ka na lang maglingkod.
13. Kaya, kaibigan, kung ayaw mong madungisan, mag-isip-isip ka bagoka tumalon sa maputik na balon ng pulitika. Kapag nagmalinis ka,mamumulubi ka. Kapag nangurakut ka naman, nandiyan na sa likod mo angmga tinalo mo, laging nakabantay saiyo para isumbong ka sa COA,Ombudsman at Sandiganbayan. Baka sa kalaboso ka pa pupulutin. Sabinang batas, bawal ang magpayaman sa paglilingkod sa gubiyerno. Kayapag-upo mo palang, mag-file ka muna ng Statement of Assets andLiabilities mo. Taon-taon tinitingnan nila ito. Kapag lumalaki angnetworth mo nang sobra sa puwede mong bilhin sa suweldo mo – nandiyanna ang "lifestyle check" - you are enriching yourself at the expenseof the government. Sabi ng kaibigan ko: "Ay naku, wala iyan. Huwag kalang pahuli. Kapag nahuli ka, maglagay ka lang ok na." Panginoon,maawa po kayo sa amin.
14. Ang nakapagtataka ay ito: Bakit sa kabila nang lahat ng ito,nagpapakamatay at handang pumatay ang ibang mga pulitiko manatililamang sila sa puwesto? Kapag nakatikim ng kapangyarihan, ayaw nangumalis. Kapag natapos na ang third term, susunod ang asawa, tapos anganak, tapos siya na naman. Bakit kaya? ....... Ano? "May malakingpera sa gubyerno!" Ano? MAY PERA SA PANGUNGURAKOT! !! Tse! Bahala ka.
15. "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, YOUR KINGDOM COME,YOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN…." Lord, when will good governance triumph in our government? Iyon pong sinugo ninyo salalawigan namin to exemplify good governance, they want to crucifyhim! Amen.
Mga Kabalen, ipagpaumanhin po ninyo ang sasabihin ko. Kahit po ano paang gawin natin hindi na natin mapipigil ang corruption sa ating bansa. Hindi sa nawawalan na ako ng pag-asa at tiwala sa mga nanunungkulan sa ating pamahalaan. Dapat po nating harapin ang katotohanan at tanggapin ang ugat ng katiwalian sa ating bansa upangito ay ating malunasan.Sa aking palagay ang ugat ng katiwalian ay ang ating halalan naginaganap tuwing ikatlong taon. Tingnan po natin ang mga bagay na ito:
1. Masyadong madalas ang ating eleksyon. Sa isang bagong halal na opisyal, lalo na isang walang karanasan –tulad ni Among Ed - angunang taon niya ay puro pag-aaral at re-organization lamang ang nagagawa niya. Dahil sa re-organization maraming mga intriga atproblema siyang haharapin sa pagpili ng mga taong makakasama niya. Angmga dating empleyado ang nagkakaroon ng sense of insecurity. Anglalong mabigat ay ang kanyang pakikitungo sa mga ibang halal naopisyal na kalaban niya sa pulitika. Ang mga tumulong sa kanya sa eleksyon ay problema din sapagka't lahat ay may vested interest atgusto ring magkaroon ng puwesto o mapagkakitaan. Pag-aaralan din niyaang mga programa ng dating nanungkulan – kung ito ba ay ititigil niya,ipagpapatuloy o babaguhin. Ang magandang halimbawa ay ang nangyayari sa ating Kapitolyo – kay Among Ed. Marami sa kanyang mga kritiko ang nagsasabi na wala siyang nagawa sa loob ng isang taon. Kung totoo manito, dahil na rin sa mga problemang kanyang hinarap.
2. Sa pangalawang taon, doon pa lamang siya magsisimulang mag-implement ng kanyang mga programa o plano. Doon pa lamang niya malalaman ang mga pasikut-sikut sa pakikitungo sa ating national government at paghingi ng mga proyekto sa mga Department Heads,Congressmen at Senators at pagkakaroon ng "connection" sa mga matataas na opisyal ng ating national government. Doon pa lamang niya matututunan ang maraming batas sa administration, finance, at mga technical na gawain. Marami sa mga pumapasok sa pulitika ang walangkaalam-alam sa Local Government Code. Kaya sila ay nangangapa sa umpisa.
3. Sa pangatlong taon, bubulabugin na siya ng kanyang mga liders. Eleksiyon na! Magsisimula na siyang guluhin ng kanyang mga kalaban sa pulitika at magsisimula na niyang ituon ang kanyang hangarin na mare-elect siya. Hindi kasya ang 45 days sa pangagampanya, kaya isang taon bago mag-eleksyon ay nagsisimula na siyang mangampanyang muli.Diyan din magsisimula ang mga paninira sa kanya ng mga may nais napumalit sa kanya. (Tingnan niyo ang mga kalaban ni Among Ed. Di sila makapaghintay. Gusto na nilang magkaroon ng eleksyon ulit! Di pa mannangangalahati ang tatlong taon. Ang tindi talaga. Sobra ang pulitika sa atin sapagkat napakaiksi nang pagitan ng mga eleksyon. Wala ka pang nagagawa halalan na naman.)
4. Sa madaling salita, isang taon lang ang masasabi nating nagagamit sa epektibong pamamahala. Anong maasahan mong magagawa ng isang baguhang opisyal sa loob ng isang taon lamang? Kaya mabagal ang pag-unlad sa ating bayan. Hindi ba puwedeng dagdagan nang kahit isang taon man lang para maging apat na taon ulit?
5. Ngayon, ito ang matindi. Ang isang baguhang kandidato, upang makasiguro ng panalo, kailangang malayo pa ang eleksyon ay "magtanim"na siya. Ibig sabihin "gumasta" na siya para mapalapit siya at makilala ng mga tao. Lahat ng piesta pupuntahan niya, magpapainom siya, magbibigay ng contribution, papremyo, banda ng musiko, etc. Malaki ang nagagasta nang isang baguhang kandidato at ito'y galing lahat sa sariling bulsa. Sa isang maliit na bayan, sa tingin ko,pinakamaliit na ang limang milyong piso ang gagastusin nang isangbaguhang kandidatong mayor para siya makasiguro nang panalo. Kaya hindi nakapagtataka kung bakit ang mga may pera lamang ang nananalo saeleksyon. Iyong mga walang pera kahit na qualified, dead ball, walang chance. (Milagro ang nangyari kay Among Ed. Exception to the rule, ika nga. Nanalo nga siya, pero tingnan naman natin ang nangyayari sakanya ngayon. Naniningil na ang mga tumulong sa kanya na hindi niyanagantihan o natulungan. Akala ko pa naman ay natuto na tayo. Hindi papala. Nakakalungkot. )
6. Limang Milyong Piso! Wow! Bakit siya gagastos ng ganoong kalaki?Simple lang. Sa pamimili ng boto, sa mga propaganda materials, sa mga watchers, mga pakain, mga meetings at miting de avance, mga lidersna laging humihingi ng pangastos, sa transportasyon at gasolina, mga nagsasamantala tuwing eleksiyon, iyong mga hindi boboto sa iyo kung hindi mo sila babayaran, marami pang iba. Wew! Grabe! Magkano baang allowed ng Comelec na dapat gastusin ng isang kandidato bawat botante? P10.00 lang yata. Nasusunod ba iyon? Pag sinunod mo iyon ng buong katapatan, mananalo ka ba? Imposible. Di ba? Ay naku! Waepek ang batas na ito.
7. Heto pa. Magkano lang ba ang suweldo ng isang Mayor? Malaki na angP30,000.00 sa isang buwan. Sa loob ng isang taon, P360,000.00 lamangat sa loob ng tatlong taon, P1,080,000.00 lamang. Lugi pa siya nangP3,920,000.00! Paano niya mababawi ito? Paano?
8. Hindi lang iyon ang nagagastos niya. Kapag naka-upo na siya, halos linggo-linggo nag-aanak silang mag-asawa sa kasal. Bilang mayor, dapat may sasakyan siya, may bodyguard, laging nagbibiyahe sa Maynila sapag-follow-up ng mga projects. Marami siyang bisita lagi sa bahay, mgaliders, at mga tiga-gubierno. Siyempre bilang mayor tataas ng kontiang lifestyle. Di ba? Ano, poor? Tuwing darating siya sa municipyonakapila na ang humihingi ng pambili ng bigas, gamot, pati pambayad ng koriyente sa bahay, hindi mailabas ang maysakit sa hospital, at marami pang iba. May nagsasabi na mas magastos pa raw kapag naka-upo ka nakaysa sa panahon ng eleksyon. Aray ko po! Kung ganoon, kaawa-awangmayor, saan niya kukunin lahat ito? Abunado pa siya sa suweldo niya.
9. Saan nga ba? Hindi ko alam kung totoo ito. Narinig ko lang napinag-uusapan ng iba. Sa jueting daw, illegal gambling, sa mgaporsiyento sa mga projects galing sa mga contractors, mga "lagay" parasa approval ng mga permits, mga "goose projects", over-pricing ng mgapurchases, binubulsa ang mga collections sa palengke (sa quarry?), mgapaabot na galing kung saan-saan, at marami pang iba. Ayon! Maramipalang pinagkukunan. Kaya pala may nagsasabi na malaking negosyo anggubiyerno.
10. Hindi ba bawal iyon? Hindi ba ang mga iyon ay corruption? "Oo. Pero, anong magagawa ko? Kung hindi ko gagawin iyon, saan ako kukuhang perang gagastusin ko? Paano ko mababawi ang mga ginastos sanakaraang eleksiyon at saan ko kukunin ang gagastusin sa darating naeleksiyon? Ano ako, baliw? Alangan namang sa sariling bulsa ko lagimangagaling ang mga ginagasta ko. Naglilingkod na nga ako, gusto paninyo mag-abono ako? Aba, hindi ba kalokohan iyon? Mangungurakot manako, sinusuka ko rin naman ito tuwing eleksiyon, di ba? Puwera sanangyaring milagro kay Among Ed, mananalo ba ako kung hindi akomamimili ng boto?" Iyan po ang katuwiran ng maraming trapongpulitiko. Tama o mali? Isa pa: "Padre, wala pa akong nakikitang natutupad mo sa mga pangako mo sa eleksyon ah." Sagot ng pulitiko ay ito: "Pangako? Huwang mong intintidihin iyon. Mag-ipon muna ako ng pera, total binibili lang naman ang mga iyan. Kahit na anongkabutihan ang gawin mo, kung wala kang pera sa eleksyon ibabasura kalang ng mga iyan." Ah? Ganoon ba? Aray ko po!!! Kawawang bayan ko,kailan ka kaya uunlad? 11. Ngayon, ang tanong: Saan ang ugat ng mga katiwalian?
(a) Isipinna lang, isa kang mayor – nasa iyo lahat ang problema nang buongbayan, at hindi ka mahahalal kung di gagasta ng malaking pera(mamumuhunan ka muna), pagkatapos ang suweldo mo kada buwan P30,000.00lang. Daig ka pa ng isang ordinaryong manager sa isang pribadongkumpanya. Anong ibig ipahiwatig nito? Mangurakot ka para mapagkasyamo ang suweldo mo. Di ba?
(b) Bakit gumagastos ng malaki ang mgakandidato? Tayong mga botante mismo ang nagbubungsod sa kanila. Paanopag nabalitaan nating kakandidato ang isang tao, malayo pa ang halalanpanay na ang hingi natin sa kanya ng pera, mga kontribusyon sa piesta,sayawan, mga palaro – uniform, T-shirts, bola, pagpapagawa ngartesian wells, scholarships, painom dito painom doon, at kung anu-anopa. Pagdating ng araw ng eleksyon, hihingi pa tayo ng pamasahe paramaka-uwi. Yari ka, pag di ka nagbigay!
(c) Pagkatapos ng eleksyon,manalo ka man o matalo, baon ka na sa utang sa pera at sa utang naloob sa mga tumulong saiyo. Problema: paano mo ngayon mababayaran angmga utang mo? Nandiyan na ang mga naniningil na printers, soundsystem, sasakyan na inarkila, mga "beer" at kape na inutang satindahan nang hindi mo alam, etc, etc. Ayyyy, naku!
12. Ano ang dapat gawin ng isang magiting na opisyal na nangako ng good governance tulad ni Among Ed? Kapag sumunod ka sa batas, lalo nasa mga COA regulations, matagal bago ka makapagsimula at marami angmagagalit sa iyo. Sasabihin nila masyado kang mahigpit. If you don'twant to compromise your principles and conviction at gusto mongsumunod sa batas, hindi ka raw "cut out" para maging opisyal nanggobyerno. Dapat daw sa simbahan ka na lang maglingkod.
13. Kaya, kaibigan, kung ayaw mong madungisan, mag-isip-isip ka bagoka tumalon sa maputik na balon ng pulitika. Kapag nagmalinis ka,mamumulubi ka. Kapag nangurakut ka naman, nandiyan na sa likod mo angmga tinalo mo, laging nakabantay saiyo para isumbong ka sa COA,Ombudsman at Sandiganbayan. Baka sa kalaboso ka pa pupulutin. Sabinang batas, bawal ang magpayaman sa paglilingkod sa gubiyerno. Kayapag-upo mo palang, mag-file ka muna ng Statement of Assets andLiabilities mo. Taon-taon tinitingnan nila ito. Kapag lumalaki angnetworth mo nang sobra sa puwede mong bilhin sa suweldo mo – nandiyanna ang "lifestyle check" - you are enriching yourself at the expenseof the government. Sabi ng kaibigan ko: "Ay naku, wala iyan. Huwag kalang pahuli. Kapag nahuli ka, maglagay ka lang ok na." Panginoon,maawa po kayo sa amin.
14. Ang nakapagtataka ay ito: Bakit sa kabila nang lahat ng ito,nagpapakamatay at handang pumatay ang ibang mga pulitiko manatililamang sila sa puwesto? Kapag nakatikim ng kapangyarihan, ayaw nangumalis. Kapag natapos na ang third term, susunod ang asawa, tapos anganak, tapos siya na naman. Bakit kaya? ....... Ano? "May malakingpera sa gubyerno!" Ano? MAY PERA SA PANGUNGURAKOT! !! Tse! Bahala ka.
15. "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, YOUR KINGDOM COME,YOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN…." Lord, when will good governance triumph in our government? Iyon pong sinugo ninyo salalawigan namin to exemplify good governance, they want to crucifyhim! Amen.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
The people's darling always
By Ram Mercado
First Person
THE recall fever, which has afflicted not only a few cabalen, remains at a tolerable 39º Celsius.
News that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has barely enough funds (P5 million) for the purpose that according to Governor Panlilio's lawyers was estimated to cost about P50 million for the exercise, created a sobering effect on the recall would-be supporters.
In the face of this monstrous funding obstacle, local residents have been discouraged somewhat. They are now adopting an apathetic wait-and-see stance after the news reports doused cold water on the initiative. The fever is noticeably subsiding despite the continued signature campaign.
Malacañang can easily direct the budget department to cause the release of the recall fund as might be needed. But it is a far shot that President Arroyo will join the local political rumble and antagonize the majority of Pampanga residents who oppose the recall move.
She may be tempted to throw Panlilio into the lions' den but her sense of history will deter her from sweet revenge. Her late father, President Diosdado Macapagal, found himself in the heartbreaking situation when very few Pampangos attended public meetings where he was a guest and speaker merely because of his failed "kadwang apag" vision for his province.
Where before the jubilant cabalen burst into frenzied applause and passionate display of admiration for his brilliance, his later crowd remained impassive and quiet when the former president was campaigning for Liberal Party candidates here or to promote a (Marcos) charter change. Pampangos felt a horrendous letdown with his unfulfilled promises.
How would Madame Gloria take a probable cold reception from Pampangos when she visits her adopted province in her post-presidency? This is a futuristic scenario in the aftermath of a possible perception by her cabalen that she had a hand in putting the Among Gob out of office when she was president.
Today she is the darling of her loving and affectionate cabalen as her father was their idol before his "fall." It is a fact that while Panlilio has been reviled, insulted, and lashed for his certain official and personal faults, he has been elected to office by so many thousands of hopeful residents. These come largely from the Catholic faithful who want him to go his full term and oppose an induced abortion after a year.
They are the same people who had put their trust in the maverick priest, mostly the unshod multitude who holds the governor in unquestioning faith.
"Bayu ya pang mitanam, lalaputan da ne, e re buring mamunga," this is the way a small farmer puts it. Paten me ing tanaman due to "loss of confidence."
I am sure the President can feel the pulse of the people in her province. She has too brilliant a mind to ignore the clear reality of the wide acceptance of the people for Panlilio. She is too smart to gloss over the future consequences of any act of persecution to the priest-turned- governor.
With her vast powers, she can smite Panlilio in one stroke, and that's the end of it. Through her legal dragons, Panlilio may not last very long in office should the Palace will it.
If the butcher's maxim is true that there are nine ways of killing a cat, PGMA's people can reinvent a 10th method to skin Panlilio to kingdom come. This would be a man-made disaster after Mt. Pinatubo.
The recall proponents and Panlilio's enemies are now wishing Malacañang will soon intervene to eradicate the pestering problem of a stubborn reformer. This is their only option after realizing little support and encouragement from the masses for his recall. As in a dream fulfillment, the anti-Panlilio forces, most of them Palace allies, would want her to be the convenient "executioner. "
There are genuine allies of the President in Pampanga who truly love her and are concerned of her place in future history. They object to her petty engagement in local politics and advised her against a patently anti-people move.
The loyal advisers of the President want to see the day when Mrs. Arroyo as former president will still be passionately welcomed and lionized by her adoring throng of admirers, with her feeling the same warm love and deep affection that they hold her today.
They want her to remember a costly lesson from her father's experience in the past, and hope that Pampangos, the majority of them Catholic supporters of Among Ed, will flock in droves to meet and embrace her, and in single voice still shout "GMA! GMA! "That, however, would not happen if thousands of Catholic Pampangos who support and believe Among Ed, perceive any act of government-sponsore d harassment or persecution by Malacañang on the stout-hearted and hard-headed man they elected governor.
First Person
THE recall fever, which has afflicted not only a few cabalen, remains at a tolerable 39º Celsius.
News that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has barely enough funds (P5 million) for the purpose that according to Governor Panlilio's lawyers was estimated to cost about P50 million for the exercise, created a sobering effect on the recall would-be supporters.
In the face of this monstrous funding obstacle, local residents have been discouraged somewhat. They are now adopting an apathetic wait-and-see stance after the news reports doused cold water on the initiative. The fever is noticeably subsiding despite the continued signature campaign.
Malacañang can easily direct the budget department to cause the release of the recall fund as might be needed. But it is a far shot that President Arroyo will join the local political rumble and antagonize the majority of Pampanga residents who oppose the recall move.
She may be tempted to throw Panlilio into the lions' den but her sense of history will deter her from sweet revenge. Her late father, President Diosdado Macapagal, found himself in the heartbreaking situation when very few Pampangos attended public meetings where he was a guest and speaker merely because of his failed "kadwang apag" vision for his province.
Where before the jubilant cabalen burst into frenzied applause and passionate display of admiration for his brilliance, his later crowd remained impassive and quiet when the former president was campaigning for Liberal Party candidates here or to promote a (Marcos) charter change. Pampangos felt a horrendous letdown with his unfulfilled promises.
How would Madame Gloria take a probable cold reception from Pampangos when she visits her adopted province in her post-presidency? This is a futuristic scenario in the aftermath of a possible perception by her cabalen that she had a hand in putting the Among Gob out of office when she was president.
Today she is the darling of her loving and affectionate cabalen as her father was their idol before his "fall." It is a fact that while Panlilio has been reviled, insulted, and lashed for his certain official and personal faults, he has been elected to office by so many thousands of hopeful residents. These come largely from the Catholic faithful who want him to go his full term and oppose an induced abortion after a year.
They are the same people who had put their trust in the maverick priest, mostly the unshod multitude who holds the governor in unquestioning faith.
"Bayu ya pang mitanam, lalaputan da ne, e re buring mamunga," this is the way a small farmer puts it. Paten me ing tanaman due to "loss of confidence."
I am sure the President can feel the pulse of the people in her province. She has too brilliant a mind to ignore the clear reality of the wide acceptance of the people for Panlilio. She is too smart to gloss over the future consequences of any act of persecution to the priest-turned- governor.
With her vast powers, she can smite Panlilio in one stroke, and that's the end of it. Through her legal dragons, Panlilio may not last very long in office should the Palace will it.
If the butcher's maxim is true that there are nine ways of killing a cat, PGMA's people can reinvent a 10th method to skin Panlilio to kingdom come. This would be a man-made disaster after Mt. Pinatubo.
The recall proponents and Panlilio's enemies are now wishing Malacañang will soon intervene to eradicate the pestering problem of a stubborn reformer. This is their only option after realizing little support and encouragement from the masses for his recall. As in a dream fulfillment, the anti-Panlilio forces, most of them Palace allies, would want her to be the convenient "executioner. "
There are genuine allies of the President in Pampanga who truly love her and are concerned of her place in future history. They object to her petty engagement in local politics and advised her against a patently anti-people move.
The loyal advisers of the President want to see the day when Mrs. Arroyo as former president will still be passionately welcomed and lionized by her adoring throng of admirers, with her feeling the same warm love and deep affection that they hold her today.
They want her to remember a costly lesson from her father's experience in the past, and hope that Pampangos, the majority of them Catholic supporters of Among Ed, will flock in droves to meet and embrace her, and in single voice still shout "GMA! GMA! "That, however, would not happen if thousands of Catholic Pampangos who support and believe Among Ed, perceive any act of government-sponsore d harassment or persecution by Malacañang on the stout-hearted and hard-headed man they elected governor.
Marian devotees say no to Guv's recall
By Bert Basa
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The silent majority rejoiced on Monday when Archbishop Paciano "Apu Ceto" Aniceto referred to the recall petition against Pampanga Governor Eddie Panlilio.
"What is this recall? Election already happened and we'll have another one?" the Pampanga archbishop mentioned in his homily during the 52nd Coronation of Our Lady of Virgen delos Remedios at the Villa del Sol Subdivision here.
"The way I understand it, the Pampanga archbishop is against the recall of Governor Panlilio because he speaks very sarcastically, " a devotee said on Monday afternoon.
Also present during the coronation rites were the priest prayer warriors who recently expressed support for the recall petition against Panlilio.
"I will only follow the Gospel, others might start talking," Aniceto added, which visibly elated the devotees who came from the different towns in Pampanga.
Earlier, Panlilio said the recall petition against him will not prosper and will die a natural death because it is "a long shot undertaking.
" He added that whether the recall move against him will prosper or not, he will endorse this city's Mayor Oscar Rodriguez for governor come the 2010 elections.
There were previous reports that Panlilio is planning to run for vice president or senator in the next elections.
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The silent majority rejoiced on Monday when Archbishop Paciano "Apu Ceto" Aniceto referred to the recall petition against Pampanga Governor Eddie Panlilio.
"What is this recall? Election already happened and we'll have another one?" the Pampanga archbishop mentioned in his homily during the 52nd Coronation of Our Lady of Virgen delos Remedios at the Villa del Sol Subdivision here.
"The way I understand it, the Pampanga archbishop is against the recall of Governor Panlilio because he speaks very sarcastically, " a devotee said on Monday afternoon.
Also present during the coronation rites were the priest prayer warriors who recently expressed support for the recall petition against Panlilio.
"I will only follow the Gospel, others might start talking," Aniceto added, which visibly elated the devotees who came from the different towns in Pampanga.
Earlier, Panlilio said the recall petition against him will not prosper and will die a natural death because it is "a long shot undertaking.
" He added that whether the recall move against him will prosper or not, he will endorse this city's Mayor Oscar Rodriguez for governor come the 2010 elections.
There were previous reports that Panlilio is planning to run for vice president or senator in the next elections.
Monday, September 8, 2008
POESIA
Nung Aliwa Y Amung Ed,
Ninu Pa, O Balen Cung Capampangan ? ( Poesia )
Neng Jose Roman R. Laquian
12:30 am.
07 Septiembre 2008 ( Domingo )
O Capatad cung Macudta qng Amanung Sisuan mana ,
iting bague pisasabian tuncul queng pamilaco na
queng puesto nang Gobernador Ed Panlilio ning Pampanga ,
iting bague babalacan daring cacalaban quea
marapat yang pibulayan nung nanu ing maguing bunga ,
nung ing taung manalili tune caya tumagun ya
para queng ycasaplala na niting Indung Tibuan ta
pati na qng Cultura at qng mal tang Literatura .
Ngeni pamu papampanan de ing aldo't cabucasan
dening puersa ning dalumdum a magpilit mamye lulam .
Pipilit dang y Amung Ed milaco ya catunculan
pauli ning pansariling interes da't capacanan
ela mengapanusignan pamanaco't panaquitan
caring dapat dang marawac . Ela tune manunculan
para queng ycasaplala ning quecatang Balen tibuan
ni ning Sisuan tang Amanu at Culturang Capampangan .
Iti alang capagdudan , Capatad cu , ala tamung
ayaliling Gobernador cang Amung Eddie panlilio .
Pablasang ding magpalaco't magnasa qng queang puesto
ila dening marinat at mapanacong politico
a ala man masabal queng mayap a pamangobierno :
tapat pamanunculan at caring tau magserbicio .
Pansarili dang interes ing susulung dang malino
at ali ing masabal qng Balen at Sisuan Amanu .
Tune , midinan tana pin " Aldo Ning Amanung Sisuan "
aldong pagmaragul taya ing Amanung Capampangan
ulina ning atin tamung Tune Ibpa ning Balayan
a maqui pusung malugud qng Amanu tang Pimanan ,
y Amung Ed , Gobernador ning Balen tang Capampangan ,
talasaguip qng Amanung dinalan qng casaquitan .
Pauli na , ing Amanu mibangun ya't mipanuanan ,
ya ing Tune Gobernador a dapat tang quilalanan .
Tune , nung balican taya ing panaun milabasan ,
at dening memanunculan quecata lang pacasurian :
ala carelang miwangis cang Amung Ed a uliran
qng Tune Pamagmasabal qng Amanung Capampangan .
Qng dalan a teluntun da ding Poetang Matenacan
at medilig queng lua't daya daring Bayaning Matapang ,
pasibayu , ngeni pamu , atin tamung Mamuntucan
a magnasang ing Amanu tamu lubus neng saguipan .
Ing Guintung Siglo ning quecang Cultura't Amanung Sisuan
Dinatang ne ! Dinatang ne ! O Balen cung Capampangan !
Mibangun Ca ! Gobernador mu ing quecang Ipaglaban !
Ya ing Tune Magmasabal queca't queang pacamalan !
Dening alting campun na ning dalumdum ampon ning lulam ,
dening mangatacong manunculan queng Balen tang Tibuan
a alang lugud qng Cultura at qng Amanung Sisuan ,
ilang dapat tang ilaco , at emu paldac-sicaran !
Balang metung quecatamu a malugud qng Amanu ,
Dayang Tune Capampangan ampon Tune Pilipinu ,
Miabe-abe't micagum ampon misanmetung tamu :
Manalacaran tamungan ampon pagpursiguian tamu
ilaco ding politicong sabagcal qng pamibayu ,
ilang macasalabat qng Mayap a Pamangobierno ,
Mibangun ta't e paburen mawala pang pasibayu
Ing Guintung Siglo ning Balen at ning Sisuan tang Amanu !
Ninu Pa, O Balen Cung Capampangan ? ( Poesia )
Neng Jose Roman R. Laquian
12:30 am.
07 Septiembre 2008 ( Domingo )
O Capatad cung Macudta qng Amanung Sisuan mana ,
iting bague pisasabian tuncul queng pamilaco na
queng puesto nang Gobernador Ed Panlilio ning Pampanga ,
iting bague babalacan daring cacalaban quea
marapat yang pibulayan nung nanu ing maguing bunga ,
nung ing taung manalili tune caya tumagun ya
para queng ycasaplala na niting Indung Tibuan ta
pati na qng Cultura at qng mal tang Literatura .
Ngeni pamu papampanan de ing aldo't cabucasan
dening puersa ning dalumdum a magpilit mamye lulam .
Pipilit dang y Amung Ed milaco ya catunculan
pauli ning pansariling interes da't capacanan
ela mengapanusignan pamanaco't panaquitan
caring dapat dang marawac . Ela tune manunculan
para queng ycasaplala ning quecatang Balen tibuan
ni ning Sisuan tang Amanu at Culturang Capampangan .
Iti alang capagdudan , Capatad cu , ala tamung
ayaliling Gobernador cang Amung Eddie panlilio .
Pablasang ding magpalaco't magnasa qng queang puesto
ila dening marinat at mapanacong politico
a ala man masabal queng mayap a pamangobierno :
tapat pamanunculan at caring tau magserbicio .
Pansarili dang interes ing susulung dang malino
at ali ing masabal qng Balen at Sisuan Amanu .
Tune , midinan tana pin " Aldo Ning Amanung Sisuan "
aldong pagmaragul taya ing Amanung Capampangan
ulina ning atin tamung Tune Ibpa ning Balayan
a maqui pusung malugud qng Amanu tang Pimanan ,
y Amung Ed , Gobernador ning Balen tang Capampangan ,
talasaguip qng Amanung dinalan qng casaquitan .
Pauli na , ing Amanu mibangun ya't mipanuanan ,
ya ing Tune Gobernador a dapat tang quilalanan .
Tune , nung balican taya ing panaun milabasan ,
at dening memanunculan quecata lang pacasurian :
ala carelang miwangis cang Amung Ed a uliran
qng Tune Pamagmasabal qng Amanung Capampangan .
Qng dalan a teluntun da ding Poetang Matenacan
at medilig queng lua't daya daring Bayaning Matapang ,
pasibayu , ngeni pamu , atin tamung Mamuntucan
a magnasang ing Amanu tamu lubus neng saguipan .
Ing Guintung Siglo ning quecang Cultura't Amanung Sisuan
Dinatang ne ! Dinatang ne ! O Balen cung Capampangan !
Mibangun Ca ! Gobernador mu ing quecang Ipaglaban !
Ya ing Tune Magmasabal queca't queang pacamalan !
Dening alting campun na ning dalumdum ampon ning lulam ,
dening mangatacong manunculan queng Balen tang Tibuan
a alang lugud qng Cultura at qng Amanung Sisuan ,
ilang dapat tang ilaco , at emu paldac-sicaran !
Balang metung quecatamu a malugud qng Amanu ,
Dayang Tune Capampangan ampon Tune Pilipinu ,
Miabe-abe't micagum ampon misanmetung tamu :
Manalacaran tamungan ampon pagpursiguian tamu
ilaco ding politicong sabagcal qng pamibayu ,
ilang macasalabat qng Mayap a Pamangobierno ,
Mibangun ta't e paburen mawala pang pasibayu
Ing Guintung Siglo ning Balen at ning Sisuan tang Amanu !
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Why time and money can derail the recall initiative
By Joselito Basilio
If we are to believe the partisan news stories and editorials of Sun Star Pampanga, it seems the recall initiative against Among Ed is already gaining ground. This perception is further bolstered by the moral support given by a number of mostly controversial priests headed by an equally controversial monsignor, a son of Minalin who is believed to be close to the Pinedas of Lubao and Malacanang having had a hand in the appointment of one regional director in Central Luzon .
Let us not lose hope. The recall initiative will likely face formidable challenges along the way. Allow me to explain them.
1. Time Constraint
Per COMELEC Resolution No. 7505, no recall shall be held within one (1) year before the holding of the next regular election. What is the implication of this? This means the holding of a recall election is prohibited by law from 10 May 2009 until 10 May 2010, the date of the next regular election. In other words, the COMELEC has to set the recall election in Pampanga not later than 9 May 2009. After this date, no recall election is allowed by law.
Stated otherwise, Kambilan has only eight (8) months to complete the whole process of recall initiative which involves gathering of required signatures, filing of petition with the COMELEC, validating the sufficiency of the petition in form and substance and legal battles both in the COMELEC and the Supreme Court. This is a long and tedious process. Unless there’s “kingly” intervention, I don’t think the entire process of the recall initiative could be finished in a span of eight months.
2. Inadequate Budget
When top lawyer Romulo Macalintal downplayed the feasibility of a recall election due to lack of funds for that purpose, I did not believe him. Well, I believe him now after reading Republic Act No. 9498 also known as 2008 General Appropriations Act. In the COMELEC’s budget for fiscal year 2008, an amount of Php 46,894,000 is appropriated for the conduct and supervision of elections and other political exercises.
Out of that amount, only Php 5,000,000 is allocated for recall election that may be held. Incidentally, while Kambilan is yet to file a recall petition with the COMELEC there are about eighteen (18) recall petitions now pending in the COMELEC excluding the recall petition just recently filed against the governor of Sulu.
Given this situation, I do not think a recall election in Pampanga could push through. The COMELEC will have no funds to print ballots, conduct and supervise the election itself and pay the teachers that will man 6,461 precincts in Pampanga.
What happens if COMELEC officially declares that a recall election cannot be enforced because of insufficient or lack of funds? If there’s still time, I think the recall proponents would lobby Congress to pass a bill allocating a special funds for the conduct of a recall election in Pampanga. If this situation occurs, I do not think most of our senators, especially those seeking reelection, would support the measure for a simple reason that Among Ed is largely viewed as a political capital who can influence the political preference of the voters come election time.
I would like to ask a hypothetical question. What if the recall proponents volunteer to fund the recall election? Is there is a law allowing or prohibiting it. I don’t know. What I know is that a leading national newspaper branded the recall initiative as “shameless”. Going to the extent of funding the recall election by the proponents is not only brazen but downright unconscionable.
How ironic! The recall petition can prosper because of sufficient money being used by the proponents in the signature-gathering but the recall election itself cannot prosper because of the lack of it.
If we are to believe the partisan news stories and editorials of Sun Star Pampanga, it seems the recall initiative against Among Ed is already gaining ground. This perception is further bolstered by the moral support given by a number of mostly controversial priests headed by an equally controversial monsignor, a son of Minalin who is believed to be close to the Pinedas of Lubao and Malacanang having had a hand in the appointment of one regional director in Central Luzon .
Let us not lose hope. The recall initiative will likely face formidable challenges along the way. Allow me to explain them.
1. Time Constraint
Per COMELEC Resolution No. 7505, no recall shall be held within one (1) year before the holding of the next regular election. What is the implication of this? This means the holding of a recall election is prohibited by law from 10 May 2009 until 10 May 2010, the date of the next regular election. In other words, the COMELEC has to set the recall election in Pampanga not later than 9 May 2009. After this date, no recall election is allowed by law.
Stated otherwise, Kambilan has only eight (8) months to complete the whole process of recall initiative which involves gathering of required signatures, filing of petition with the COMELEC, validating the sufficiency of the petition in form and substance and legal battles both in the COMELEC and the Supreme Court. This is a long and tedious process. Unless there’s “kingly” intervention, I don’t think the entire process of the recall initiative could be finished in a span of eight months.
2. Inadequate Budget
When top lawyer Romulo Macalintal downplayed the feasibility of a recall election due to lack of funds for that purpose, I did not believe him. Well, I believe him now after reading Republic Act No. 9498 also known as 2008 General Appropriations Act. In the COMELEC’s budget for fiscal year 2008, an amount of Php 46,894,000 is appropriated for the conduct and supervision of elections and other political exercises.
Out of that amount, only Php 5,000,000 is allocated for recall election that may be held. Incidentally, while Kambilan is yet to file a recall petition with the COMELEC there are about eighteen (18) recall petitions now pending in the COMELEC excluding the recall petition just recently filed against the governor of Sulu.
Given this situation, I do not think a recall election in Pampanga could push through. The COMELEC will have no funds to print ballots, conduct and supervise the election itself and pay the teachers that will man 6,461 precincts in Pampanga.
What happens if COMELEC officially declares that a recall election cannot be enforced because of insufficient or lack of funds? If there’s still time, I think the recall proponents would lobby Congress to pass a bill allocating a special funds for the conduct of a recall election in Pampanga. If this situation occurs, I do not think most of our senators, especially those seeking reelection, would support the measure for a simple reason that Among Ed is largely viewed as a political capital who can influence the political preference of the voters come election time.
I would like to ask a hypothetical question. What if the recall proponents volunteer to fund the recall election? Is there is a law allowing or prohibiting it. I don’t know. What I know is that a leading national newspaper branded the recall initiative as “shameless”. Going to the extent of funding the recall election by the proponents is not only brazen but downright unconscionable.
How ironic! The recall petition can prosper because of sufficient money being used by the proponents in the signature-gathering but the recall election itself cannot prosper because of the lack of it.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
'Nakakahiya'
Editorial
‘Nakakahiya’
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:04:00 09/03/2008
That most of the local officials of Pampanga province, especially the mayors and board members, are suddenly beside themselves with their non-negotiable demand for credible and clean leadership is not at all surprising. But their brazenness is still breathtaking. Simply put, their “campaign” is both shameful and shameless. In Filipino, “nakakahiya, walang hiya!”
We are referring to the petition purportedly initiated by Kapanalig at Kambilan ning Memalen Pampanga (Kambilan) for the recall of Gov. Eddie “Among Ed” Panlilio.
The petition, pushed by these same officials, is not unexpected and has partisanship written all over it. It is public knowledge that some of Panlilio’s political adversaries, from the time of his election, do not want him to finish his term. Right after his proclamation, they drove all over town waving their own version of the three R’s—recount, recall and requiem—like three swords of Damocles. Sure enough, a case for recount was filed shortly thereafter with the Commission on Elections by one of his rival candidates. (The Supreme Court forbade the recount while it deliberated on a related petition.) And the requiem? Panlilio himself has said that he has been told that a requiem (based on the Latin word for “rest,” and which in the Catholic Church’s lexicon refers to a Mass or service held especially for a deceased person) is being eyed by some of his enemies as a “last resort.”
Founded only last July, Kambilan can’t be the initiator of the recall drive; in fact, it can only be the front. This “non-profit and non-stock organization” is headed by the campaign manager of a losing candidate.
Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo’s statement that the Pampanga Mayors League will help gather the minimum 100,000 signatures needed for the recall petition gave Kambilan away: that is, it’s a skeleton that can’t come to life without the political networks of the very politicians unhappily watching Panlilio serve as Pampanga’s governor.
The recall petition is shameful and shameless because it is downright hypocritical. Pampanga today, despite being the home province of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo , remains a “jueteng-free zone.” It remains, reportedly, the home base of the country’s most influential gambling lord. But Pampanga’s officials, except for Panlilio who is openly campaigning against this corrupting illegal numbers game, are not complaining. And they didn’t complain either when the province’s collection of lahar fees, prior to Panlilio’s term, was at unbelievable lows, amid talk that most of it was flowing into private pockets instead of provincial coffers. Neither did they care that the 2007 elections in Pampanga had been reduced, in the public mind, into a contest between jueteng interests and lahar money.
Disgusted and embarrassed by the prospect of having to vote “None of the Above,” conscientious Kapampangans looked for an alternative. They found a reluctant Father Panlilio who could not refuse because he had preached that the circumstances called for a strong moral stand for good governance, and they thought it was only he who had a fighting chance to win. The priest’s victory earned for the Kapampangans the nation’s admiration. It gave its people a new sense of pride, and Pampanga basked once again in a moment of glory. But most of all, it reassured all well-meaning Filipinos that there’s still hope for the country. Panlilio became the newest symbol of the Filipino people’s aspiration for a decent society.
Now that Panlilio has raised lahar collections from P2.41 million a month in 2006 to more than P17.57 million a month since June 2007, and insists on weeding out the underground lottery “jueteng,” Pampanga’s traditional politicians are scrambling to get him out. For a jumble of fuzzy reasons: loss of confidence in his leadership, gross negligence, perjury, failure to unify local officials, lack of clear directions and programs of actions, failure to deliver basic services, even non-attendance in meetings with the President. Well, the first time he went to such a meeting, he came home with a paper bag containing P500,000 and fell out of grace with Malacañang because he chose to tell the public about it.
The recall petition is not about good governance or transparency. It is about political opportunism and personal greed. At a time the Filipino nation is in desperate need of honest leaders, officials of the President’s province are doing everything to remove one. For shame.
‘Nakakahiya’
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:04:00 09/03/2008
That most of the local officials of Pampanga province, especially the mayors and board members, are suddenly beside themselves with their non-negotiable demand for credible and clean leadership is not at all surprising. But their brazenness is still breathtaking. Simply put, their “campaign” is both shameful and shameless. In Filipino, “nakakahiya, walang hiya!”
We are referring to the petition purportedly initiated by Kapanalig at Kambilan ning Memalen Pampanga (Kambilan) for the recall of Gov. Eddie “Among Ed” Panlilio.
The petition, pushed by these same officials, is not unexpected and has partisanship written all over it. It is public knowledge that some of Panlilio’s political adversaries, from the time of his election, do not want him to finish his term. Right after his proclamation, they drove all over town waving their own version of the three R’s—recount, recall and requiem—like three swords of Damocles. Sure enough, a case for recount was filed shortly thereafter with the Commission on Elections by one of his rival candidates. (The Supreme Court forbade the recount while it deliberated on a related petition.) And the requiem? Panlilio himself has said that he has been told that a requiem (based on the Latin word for “rest,” and which in the Catholic Church’s lexicon refers to a Mass or service held especially for a deceased person) is being eyed by some of his enemies as a “last resort.”
Founded only last July, Kambilan can’t be the initiator of the recall drive; in fact, it can only be the front. This “non-profit and non-stock organization” is headed by the campaign manager of a losing candidate.
Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo’s statement that the Pampanga Mayors League will help gather the minimum 100,000 signatures needed for the recall petition gave Kambilan away: that is, it’s a skeleton that can’t come to life without the political networks of the very politicians unhappily watching Panlilio serve as Pampanga’s governor.
The recall petition is shameful and shameless because it is downright hypocritical. Pampanga today, despite being the home province of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo , remains a “jueteng-free zone.” It remains, reportedly, the home base of the country’s most influential gambling lord. But Pampanga’s officials, except for Panlilio who is openly campaigning against this corrupting illegal numbers game, are not complaining. And they didn’t complain either when the province’s collection of lahar fees, prior to Panlilio’s term, was at unbelievable lows, amid talk that most of it was flowing into private pockets instead of provincial coffers. Neither did they care that the 2007 elections in Pampanga had been reduced, in the public mind, into a contest between jueteng interests and lahar money.
Disgusted and embarrassed by the prospect of having to vote “None of the Above,” conscientious Kapampangans looked for an alternative. They found a reluctant Father Panlilio who could not refuse because he had preached that the circumstances called for a strong moral stand for good governance, and they thought it was only he who had a fighting chance to win. The priest’s victory earned for the Kapampangans the nation’s admiration. It gave its people a new sense of pride, and Pampanga basked once again in a moment of glory. But most of all, it reassured all well-meaning Filipinos that there’s still hope for the country. Panlilio became the newest symbol of the Filipino people’s aspiration for a decent society.
Now that Panlilio has raised lahar collections from P2.41 million a month in 2006 to more than P17.57 million a month since June 2007, and insists on weeding out the underground lottery “jueteng,” Pampanga’s traditional politicians are scrambling to get him out. For a jumble of fuzzy reasons: loss of confidence in his leadership, gross negligence, perjury, failure to unify local officials, lack of clear directions and programs of actions, failure to deliver basic services, even non-attendance in meetings with the President. Well, the first time he went to such a meeting, he came home with a paper bag containing P500,000 and fell out of grace with Malacañang because he chose to tell the public about it.
The recall petition is not about good governance or transparency. It is about political opportunism and personal greed. At a time the Filipino nation is in desperate need of honest leaders, officials of the President’s province are doing everything to remove one. For shame.
Keng Tigre... eku tatakut
Ditak pung silip keng balita kanitang milabas a banua... ela pin petugut.
Sun.Star Manila.(October 15, 2007 issue)
...But they could not wait for him to finish his term quietly. Setting obstacles on his every way, putting up hurdles to obstruct his program, and making life difficult for him has turned the priest into his stubborn self. The priest has been sufficiently provoked. So he fights back, unnerved by the sustained obstructionism. Like Christ’s true apostle the Among will suffer under sword or fire. King tigre, king leon eku tatakut, kang Yeng Guiao pa?
If Panlilio has reversed course and is now going for a re-election, (chances are the popular support will remain), blame the provincial officials for their collective tactical error in provoking the priest’s to dig in and chart hisway to a second term.
To his mind, he expects the next set of provincial board members to have new members, with Yeng Guiao on his way to Congress. With the Pineda family missing a hatchet man and triggerman in the caliber of the Red Bull coach, Panlilio may finally work in peace without the distraction caused by the pro-Pineda conspirators to derail his administration. Unless terminated in his position by the dreaded Comelec wise guys, the Gov is well on his way to preach his gospel. With his performance, he might be the brightest icon yet in local politics that his chief apostle, Archie Reyes, might not even be worthy to untie his sandals.
..pokat
Sun.Star Manila.(October 15, 2007 issue)
...But they could not wait for him to finish his term quietly. Setting obstacles on his every way, putting up hurdles to obstruct his program, and making life difficult for him has turned the priest into his stubborn self. The priest has been sufficiently provoked. So he fights back, unnerved by the sustained obstructionism. Like Christ’s true apostle the Among will suffer under sword or fire. King tigre, king leon eku tatakut, kang Yeng Guiao pa?
If Panlilio has reversed course and is now going for a re-election, (chances are the popular support will remain), blame the provincial officials for their collective tactical error in provoking the priest’s to dig in and chart hisway to a second term.
To his mind, he expects the next set of provincial board members to have new members, with Yeng Guiao on his way to Congress. With the Pineda family missing a hatchet man and triggerman in the caliber of the Red Bull coach, Panlilio may finally work in peace without the distraction caused by the pro-Pineda conspirators to derail his administration. Unless terminated in his position by the dreaded Comelec wise guys, the Gov is well on his way to preach his gospel. With his performance, he might be the brightest icon yet in local politics that his chief apostle, Archie Reyes, might not even be worthy to untie his sandals.
..pokat
Yeng Guiao's DNA
By Joselito Basilio
I once remarked in the defunct Among Ed website that “Yeng Guiao is the only Guiao who is not Bren”, an obvious rip-off of one martial law truism “Rafael Recto is the only Recto who is not Claro” criticizing the younger Recto’s collaboration with Marcos. The late Rafael Recto is of course the son of nationalist Claro M. Recto and the father-in-law of Gov. Vilma Santos. Why is it it’s not “like father like son” in the case of Tatang Bren and Yeng? Perhaps the good genes of a father are not always transmissible to the son. It is patently evident that Yeng Guiao did not inherit the good genes of his great father Bren whose principle as a freedom fighter was comparable to that of other Kapampangan great leaders like Ninoy Aquino and Jose Lingad.
Look at Yeng now. He is the exact opposite of his illustrious Dad whom I admired as one of my childhood heroes during the Martial Law days. He seems to have mortgaged his life to serving the selfish interest of his political masters because of huge political debts he can never repay. Try to observe him. He plays the role of a silent apologist and henchman of those who raises money by selling slip of paper. He shrugs off whatever Among Ed utters just to delight and wow his political lords. Whenever Among Ed executes a clean shot on good governance, Yeng, the hard court master tactician, “elbows” the governor publicly and pooh-poohs his pronouncements. The recent support demonstrated by the Provincial Board on the recall move may lend credence to my belief that Yeng is profoundly involved in the master game plan to depose the incumbent governor at all cost, a diabolical plot never tried to the two previous governors whose castle in Porac was built from quarry sand.
Poor Yeng! He’s on the wrong side of history. He would certainly be assured of a place in Kapampangan history if he had not been gulp down by corruption and patronage. He possesses leadership potential and might become a future governor if he did not take the wrong path to greatness. I hope this bright UP alumnus would come to his sense of history while there is time, otherwise his father’s former Provincial Administrator might assume in near future the position he dearly covets.
I once remarked in the defunct Among Ed website that “Yeng Guiao is the only Guiao who is not Bren”, an obvious rip-off of one martial law truism “Rafael Recto is the only Recto who is not Claro” criticizing the younger Recto’s collaboration with Marcos. The late Rafael Recto is of course the son of nationalist Claro M. Recto and the father-in-law of Gov. Vilma Santos. Why is it it’s not “like father like son” in the case of Tatang Bren and Yeng? Perhaps the good genes of a father are not always transmissible to the son. It is patently evident that Yeng Guiao did not inherit the good genes of his great father Bren whose principle as a freedom fighter was comparable to that of other Kapampangan great leaders like Ninoy Aquino and Jose Lingad.
Look at Yeng now. He is the exact opposite of his illustrious Dad whom I admired as one of my childhood heroes during the Martial Law days. He seems to have mortgaged his life to serving the selfish interest of his political masters because of huge political debts he can never repay. Try to observe him. He plays the role of a silent apologist and henchman of those who raises money by selling slip of paper. He shrugs off whatever Among Ed utters just to delight and wow his political lords. Whenever Among Ed executes a clean shot on good governance, Yeng, the hard court master tactician, “elbows” the governor publicly and pooh-poohs his pronouncements. The recent support demonstrated by the Provincial Board on the recall move may lend credence to my belief that Yeng is profoundly involved in the master game plan to depose the incumbent governor at all cost, a diabolical plot never tried to the two previous governors whose castle in Porac was built from quarry sand.
Poor Yeng! He’s on the wrong side of history. He would certainly be assured of a place in Kapampangan history if he had not been gulp down by corruption and patronage. He possesses leadership potential and might become a future governor if he did not take the wrong path to greatness. I hope this bright UP alumnus would come to his sense of history while there is time, otherwise his father’s former Provincial Administrator might assume in near future the position he dearly covets.
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