Monday, July 21, 2008 'Dialogue just a waste of time': PamCham prexy By Ian Ocampo Flora
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - "It will just be an exercise in futility."
These were the words of businessman Rene Romero regarding the much-awaited dialogue between Gov. Eddie Panlilio and the Provincial Board (PB) scheduled at 2 p.m. Monday at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center here.
Romero, president of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham), said the entire event would just be "a waste of time." This, according to him, is because of Panlilio's "stubbornness" to look into the issues hurled at his administration.
"This is a time for action. More than ever, we need to see tangible benefits for the people of the province. The public is not the proper venue for such issues," Romero told Sun.Star Pampanga Sunday.
Romero said the event might just be used by some quarters for "political grandstanding." He said the issues hounding the Panlilio administration should not be discussed in public. He said he was among those who initiated private talks between Panlilio and Vice Gov. Joseller "Yeng" Guiao in past but "nothing substantial was achieved."
Romero, who was among the leading personalities behind the good governance campaign of the priest-turned-politician before the last elections, said that many of the governor's supporters have been disenchanted with his "failure in advancing the crusade."
"Presently he (Panlilio) failed on the advocacy and has left his supporters because of his beliefs that he fails to streamline with advocacy," Romero said, stressing the advocacy still lives on even with the failure of Panlilio.
He said that the governor should "open his eyes" and consider the removal of Provincial Administrator Vivian Dabu. He said this, in turn, would "considerably reduce" the opposition against Panlilio. He also pointed out that Panlilio needs to address the "still unmoving economic conditions" in Pampanga.
For over a year in office, Panlilio has yet to make fiscal decisions for the provincial economy, according to Romero.
"Nothing much has happened in terms of our economic condition. Business here does not feel any change in the economic climate. Much more, investors are reluctant to invest because of political disorder in the provincial government," he said.
Romero said that he will not attend the dialogue. Some disenchanted supporters of Panlilio, on the other hand, are expected to observe the dialogue.
