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Sunday, September 21, 2008
Panlilio: Recall won't happen
MANILA -- Governor Eddie Panlilio remains optimistic that recall initiatives against him will not materialize even if the number of those supporting the ouster move has been increasing since it was launched last August.
"I believe that no recall will happen. And if ever there is, well, Pampanga is more intelligent now in terms of voting than before, so people are aware on issues and they will choose or elect whether what it is better or best for Pampanga," the priest-turned-governor said during Saturday's Kapihan sa Sulo.
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A month ago, Kapanalig at Kambilan Ning Memalen Pampanga (Kambilan) president Rosve Henson had expressed loss of confidence in the governance of Panlilio and came out a recall move against the governor.
They are gathering at least 100,000 signatories for their recall petition to be filed and validated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Among those who signed the recall petition were Pampanga Vice Governor Joseller Guiao and the 13 members of the Provincial Board, the Advocacy for the Development of Central Luzon (ADCL) and the National Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL) Pampanga chapter.
The governor and members of the Provincial Board have been at odds over various issues.
As counter, Panlilio said his group is also doing their own signature campaign opposing Kambilan's recall.
"Just like what Henson's group is doing, we are also gathering signatures that will counter their recall just to show what people really want, if they are pro or against recall," he said.
Panlilio said although he is trying to ignore the issues surrounding him and instead concentrate on his work, he cannot deny that he is still affected.
"Well, you know I was elected for three years. I believe that what we are doing and what we have done are all righteous. If ever there was bad thing that I did, there are still more good things that happen in Pampanga," he said.
"I don't' know why they are rushing the recall move against me considering that the 2010 election is nearly coming. I have only 18 months left. After more than one year, the election campaign will again start. As I was saying, 'why they can't just wait for 2010?" he added.
The governor admitted that the recall movement has distracted his focus on his work.
When asked of why his foes are persistent in removing him from office, Panlilio said: "Maybe they are affected by our good governance."
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) earlier said it has no funds to support the conduct of recall elections in Pampanga as well as the 18 other recall petitions in other parts of the country.
Still in Kapihan sa Sulo, the Pampanga governor pushed his proposal for the Electronic Business Licensing Permit System (e-BPLS) even if it gained negative feedbacks from some business groups.
"We really need computerization or electronic intervention to make our province grow," he said.
He said although some officials are against his proposal, e-BPLS would give more income for the province.
The e-BPLS features a user-friendly web interface with high-speed response that automates the processing of business permit application, assessment, collection and release, and eventual report generation. It also ensures that all transactions are done legally with built-in system security.
It is expected to speed up the process of transactions in the LGUs and the system should also optimize the accuracy in the computation of taxes with the precise computations generated from the automated system, thus promoting integrity and transparency in the LGU's business operations and revenue ventures.
The LGU can expect an increase in its collection efficiency and generate more income while making the process much more convenient and hassle-free for constituents.
The system is also meant to aid local officials in making timely and clear-cut decisions regarding their business prerogatives through the speedy generation of appropriate reports. (JRDB/Sun.Star Pampanga/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star General Santos. (September 21, 2008 issue)
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