Friday, January 18, 2008 Mayors group 'supports' prayer for peace, unity By Marna H. Dagumboy
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Pampanga mayors are supporting genuine and true spirit of peace and unity for the province, not for any political gain or interest of others.
This was the statement of the Pampanga Mayors League (PML) when asked if they would attend the prayer rally organized by the Kapampangan Coalition Incorporated (KCI) at the Capitol grounds here at 4 p.m. Friday.
PML president and Lubao Mayor Dennis Pineda said the Pampanga mayors "have always supported and were the one who first called for unity and peace in the province."
Pineda said last November 6, Pampanga leaders, including the vice governor, board members, mayors, vice mayors, councilors and barangay officials, along with non-government organization and thousands of Kapampangans, stage a peace and unity prayer rally at the Paskuhan Village here.
He said there is nothing more important than peace and unity, adding that the province and its municipalities cannot move forward without the cooperation of the provincial, municipal and barangay leaders.
PML secretary and Minalin Mayor Edgar Flores said they would advise their constituents to support the peace, unity and progress for Pampanga by praying in their respective homes.
Pineda said most, if not all, of the mayors will not attend the KCI prayer rally at the Capitol, adding that the invitation was given to them "at short notice" and most of them have prior commitments and appointments.
He also appealed to non-government organizations and religious sectors to pray for "genuine peace and unity" and not to be used to "fuel the political interest of any specific person or individual."
Porac Mayor Rogelio Santos said it is not true that the mayors are not the one cooperating with Governor Eddie Panlilio, adding that the mayors are the first to extend the hand of peace to the provincial leader.
