Monday, August 18, 2008 Romero calls for guv's resignation
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Pampanga Chamber of Commerce (PamCham) president Renato Romero has said he will not think twice in supporting "any call for resignation" of Pampanga Governor Eddie Panlilio.
But he stressed that he will do this in his private capacity as a former supporter of the priest-turned-governor.
Romero said Panlilio has "fallen short of the expectations of still growing number of former supporters." He said, "it is high time" for Panlilio "to think if he is still effective as a governor."
"I will not think twice in supporting any call for the resignation of the governor. I believe he has not been effective in his task and it would be for the good of the province if he would just step down," Romero said.
Romero was among the high-profiled figures behind the campaign of Panlilio for governor last year. Along with other businessmen and civil society groups, he actively supported Panlilio's candidacy. But now, he said he "has had it with the governor."
Romero has been one of the first supporters of the Biyayang Luluguran and Sisikapan (Balas) members who staged a picket rally in front of the Arnedo Park along the Capitol grounds. The disgruntled Balas members have been calling for the resignation of Provincial Administrator Vivian Dabu.
"We empathize with the Balas. We hope the governor would listen to these calls for the resignation of Vivian Dabu. But if people would also call for the resignation of the governor it would be a welcome development," Romero said.
He added that the province needs "effective government" and not just the previously espoused "good governance" that was the trademark campaign advocacy of Panlilio.
Panlilio has this to say of Romero: "Let him (Romero) support whatever calls he want. I do not see valid sentiments from him."
The priest-turned-governor said he finds it unfortunate that his supporters do not see the "real issues."
"It is sad that the real issues are placed in the sidelines, these real issues are not about Dabu," Panlilio said, reiterating that he will stick to his convictions no matter what.
"If I am no longer effective, then I will step down," Panlilio said.
