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Saturday, July 09, 2005
Pampanga stays behind Arroyo
By Joel P. Mapiles and Reynaldo G. Navales
* Guv, mayors: We'll die for GMA
* Aquino, 10 former Cabinet members join calls for the President to resign
* Majority of congressmen, local officials, barangay leaders still supports embattled Chief Executive
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- "We'll die for President Arroyo and we'll strongly support her all the way, whatever happens".
Thus said Pampanga Governor Mark Lapid and the Pampanga Mayors League (PML) Friday in a closed-door conference held in Fortune Restaurant here as they echoed their full support behind the President.
This developed amidst calls for the President to step down in the wake of mounting political pressure from the opposition.
The local officials here also downplayed the strength of the number of people and government officials who called on President Arroyo to resign. They also claimed that majority of national and local officials are behind the Chief Executive.
This was attested by Third District Representative Rey B. Aquino, who was among government officials who went to Malacañang Friday while several prominent personalities joined the call for the President to step down.
Among those who urged for 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' league 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 the democracy and the President's mandate.
Lapid said their support for the President is their expression of belief for democracy.
The local officials also stressed that the people has already spoken through last year's election and President Arroyo was given the people's 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 faced with economic crisis due to the destabilization plot orchestrated by individuals who want to grab the presidency.
Lapid urged the people to rally behind President Arroyo and support her in effecting reforms and implementing her ten-point agenda.
Should the President be forced to resign, the local officials disclosed that 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 on the President's leadership considering the overwhelming show of support of the different sectors of the 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, Exequiel Gamboa among others.
(July 9, 2005 issue)
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