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Saturday, July 09, 2005
Pampanga guv, mayors rally behind Arroyo
By Joel P. Mapiles and Reynaldo G. Navales
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- "We'll die for President Arroyo and we'll strongly support her all the way, whatever happens."
This was the statement that came up after a close-door conference Friday attended by Pampanga Governor Mark Lapid and members of the Pampanga Mayors League (PML) at a restaurant in the city.
Lapid and the Pampanga mayors reiterated their support for the President, amid mounting calls from various sectors for her to step down.
The local officials here also downplayed the strength of the number of people and government officials who are for Arroyo's resignation.
They claimed that majority of national and local officials are behind the Chief Executive.
Third District Representative Rey B. Aquino, who was among government officials who went to Malacañang Friday to express support for Arroyo, agreed with the local officials.
Joining the ranks of those urging Arroyo's resignation are former President Corazon Aquino, Senate President Franklin Drilon, and 10 former Cabinet officials who tendered their resignation Friday.
Aquino said the condition in Malacañang Palace was normal despite the presence of "negligible" pocket rallies in various places in Metro Manila.
He said the President continues to enjoy the support of the "majority."
Lapid and the mayors urged Arroyo to stay and remain firm as they warned that they will mobilize thousands of Kapampangan and go to Metro Manila if the need arises to protect democracy and the President's mandate.
Lapid said their support for the President is their expression of belief for democracy.
The local officials stressed that the people had already spoken through last year's election and President Arroyo was given the mandate to continuously govern this nation.
Lapid said in the prevailing political crisis, the losers are not the politicians but the poor people, as the country is now facing an economic crisis due to the destabilization plot orchestrated by individuals who want to grab the presidency.
He urged the people to rally behind President Arroyo and support her in effecting reforms and implementing her 10-point agenda.
Should the President be forced to resign, the local officials said they would be forced to establish a "Pampanga Republic" just to show their unity and solidarity for the presidency of Arroyo.
The Pampanga mayors also expressed optimism that the President still has a lot of support from the different sectors of society.
"President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo would still lead this country until the end of her term in 2010," they said.
"Let us give the President a chance to prove her worth in running this country and stop this political bickering so that this country could move forward," Lapid added.
The local officials also called for sobriety. "We should know what is the best for the country as we must resolve this within the bounds of the law.
The closed-door conference was attended by Governor Mark Lapid, PML President Dennis Pineda, Mayors Jerry Pelayo, Doy Gaddi, Tirso Lacanilao, Peter Flores, Bobong Flores, Teddy Tumang, Darwin Manalansan, Jayson Sagum, Boking Morales, Rodrigo Canlas, Catalina Bagasina, Pastor Guiao, Ric Rivera, and Exequiel Gamboa, among others. (Sun.Star Pampanga/Sunnex)
(July 9, 2005 issue)
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