Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Limlingan: Signature signing By DP Limlingan The Advocate
MONDAY was said to be the most stressful day of the week. Governor Ed Panlilio was said to be the most stressed person last Monday at the Capitol compound.
It was another major act of protest of the Balas Boys, the Kambilan, Rene Romero of ADCL and Mayor Jerry Pelayo of the town of Candaba at the now controversial Governor Macario Arnedo Park, in front of the Capitol Main Building. The democratic exercise won't be complete without the presence of the firm and unyielding Yeng Guiao, the second in command of the provincial government's hierarchy, with his provincial legislators.
Along line with the said "staged" rally against Governor Panlilio was the inscription of the signatures of Romero and Pelayo on the piece of paper among with the more than one hundred twenty thousand signatures of Kapampangans presently arming themselves with a recall petition said to be filed soon with the Comelec.
For quite a number of weeks now, the Balas Boys are fox-holed under Acacia trees on the frontage of the said park with tarpaulins and streamers brandishing their indignations and step-down calls to Panlilio and his can't live without Provincial Administrator.
The Kambilan, headed by its president, the now ubiquitous Rosve Henson has reached the topmost decibel when he aired his cry for support to the seemingly impending recall elections. Kuya Rene, in his speech, spoke out some spicy words that apparently came from the deepest part of his heart. The man is known for his down-to-earth style.
Kong Jerry, the fighter ruling the eastern part of Pampanga and the spokesperson of the Pampanga Mayors' League, was equally indignant on his calls for the beleaguered father of the province to relinquish his post.
The rally was made more effective with the presence of the Provincial Board members as housemates trying to call for the eviction of the unwanted couple. The fact that they stood united is quite impressive.
That Monday's activity at the Capitol grounds raised the confidence level of the people calling for the recall process and elevated the morale of the multitude of men who signed in the campaign. I was caught by my emotions when the hilarious polosador, sang the Imno Kapampangan. I asked myself as to why there was such divisiveness.
Colleagues in the national and local media were so attentive trying to grasp everything as to what is happening on that starting day of the week. The multitude of people, along with those on stage were among those thousands of Kapampangans who have lost confidence to Panlilio due to the latter's said ineptness and lack of leadership qualities. He failed to unite the province despite his attempt to unite other local government units in the country as he takes shelter from key personalities from other provinces.
Governor Panlilio's arrival after his trip to the US was gloomy. Information from my grapevine revealed that the governor's mission was not the same as before when Filipinos in America welcomed him in red carpet. Some of my relatives confirmed that Panlilio was not welcomed well by our kabalens there.
Going back, the mass movement against Panlilio seemed to be gaining grounds. Like a small chunk of snow rolling, it gathers every flake, and every block of ice in its path. Voices are regularly made loud. Papers are filled daily with the political gripes.
I agree with the Kambilan with the idea that to stop all these bickering, let the governor fight it out fair and square in the recall arena to finally prove or disprove the people's trust and confidence in him.
Should the recall election favor Panlilio, then the said democratic process shall affirm the governor's being elected to the highest political post in the province. If otherwise happens, then people would be vindicated for the cause they are now fighting for.
All the elements are in line to topple Panlilio's administration. People from all walks of life are in tow. Kapampangans from the loftiest mansion to the lowliest hovel are part of the force calling for the governor and his administrator's resignation. Recall is the contingency.
The governor already took a bite of democracy and that is manifesting his stubbornness by not resigning from the governorship despite much clamor from his constituency. People now are taking their piece of the same by resorting to the recall process. That's democracy.
