Thursday, September 04, 2008 Panlilio to endorse Rodriguez for governor By Bert Basa
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Governor Eddie Panlilio said he will endorse this city's Mayor Oscar Rodriguez as his candidate for governor whether the recall petition against him will prosper or not.
"I think Mayor Rodriguez is my candidate for governor if ever I may be recalled by my political detractors or comes 2010 national elections." Panlilio said.
"I am considering to return to the church or to run for higher government position so that I can help Mang Oca (Rodriguez) in running for governor," he said.
The priest-turned-politician said he has chosen Rodriguez as his candidate because the mayor is "matured in politics" and knows how to govern like how he governs his constituents in this capital city.
Panlilio, who once again rode a passenger jeepney to report for work at the Capitol, flatly denied that his daily commuting "is not theatrics," as alleged by Vice Governor Joseller Guiao.
"The public may check the records at the provincial Capitol that my funds in his office were depleted and check also the record with the Provincial Board (PB) that my office has submitted a request for supplemental budget asking the PB for its approval but to no avail to date," he said.
He disclosed that when the public and his supporters read in newspapers, heard on radio, and saw him on television riding a passenger jeepney and tricycle, they offered him financial assistance for gasoline while some even offered to lend him vehicles. He, however, declined the offers.
"I just want to prove as the highest elected leader in Pampanga that I have rid off graft and corruption and show to my constituents the good governance for more than one year that I have served as the governor of the province," he added.
