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Sunday, October 05, 2008
Bishop wants 'political skirmishes' ended
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- A prelate in Pampanga has called for a mature dialogue between supporters and opponents of the recall petition against Governor Eddie Panlilio.
In his circular letter titled "Pastoral Exhortation on Recall," San Fernando Archbishop Paciano Aniceto cautioned and advised the Kapampangan faithful about the issues surrounding the recall petition being initiated by the Kapanalig at Kambilan ning Memalen Pampanga (Kambilan).
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"I remind you even as you take sides in the political issue for or against the recall to stop political skirmishes and enter into a mature dialogue with each other," Aniceto said.
He said the "senseless political impasse" has hurt the poor who are in need of the most basic social services.
"I remind you that your primary mandate as elected officials and civil servants is to serve the interest of the common good, with due regard for the poorest of the poor and most vulnerable sectors of our community," he told local officials.
Aniceto also asked the Capitol officials not to erect "permanent barricades" of hatred and conflict that affects the general welfare of the province.
"I fraternally appeal to the governor, the vice governor, the Provincial Board members and the mayors to set aside political loyalties, ideological differences, prejudices and personal interests for a while and strive to make openings for collaborative work with each other," he said, adding that officials should make sure that basic services are adequately delivered to the people.
The bishop, who is perceived to be in a neutral ground regarding the recall initiative despite the stronger opinion of some priests who felt otherwise, also appealed to provincial administration and opposition leaders to "listen with humility to whatever legitimate grievances each might have against the other."
Civil society groups, Aniceto said, should also maintain their advocacies for good governance and responsible citizenship.
"I ask them to continue monitoring with vigilance the performance of our public officials and hold them accountable to our people for their actions and decisions," he said.
Aniceto's call was taken as a welcome development by Panlilio who said that it was "very much suited for the most trying times in the political situation of the province."
"It is a fair observation and statement on the recall petition," Panlilio said.
Aniceto also has a warning against those who might take advantage of the political situation.
"In the course of the recall, there can arise situations which can lead to political opportunism and abuses. We admonish you, our brethren, to reject the lure of money and power of intimidation as vehicles for success in any political undertaking," he explained.
For his part, Kambilan president Rosve Henson maintained that the recall initiative is a constitutional right that is up to the people to decide whether to support or reject it.
"The recall is the most democratic way to change a government that is not functioning and answering to the needs of the province. It is right and it is just," Henson said, adding that their move does not involve the use of unethical ways to gather signatures.
"All of the people who have signed feel that this administration does not answer effectively to the needs of the province," said Henson, who disclosed that his group has already gathered 200,000 signatures to be submitted to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Among those who signed the recall petition were Pampanga Vice Governor Joseller Guiao and the 13 Provincial Board members. (IOF/Sun.Star Pampanga/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star General Santos. (October 5, 2008 issue)
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