Thursday, September 25, 2008 Balas Boys: We did not pay rallyists By Jovi T. de Leon
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Protesting members of the sacked Biyaya A Luluguran at Sisikapan (Balas) on Wednesday categorically denied they paid or "promised" them "something in return" to attend the joint resign-recall protest.
This was the groups's reaction to reports spurred by a "mystery texter" that about 200 residents of Barangay Sto. Niño here were "promised" P200 each to attend last Monday's rally at the Arnedo Park.
Former Balas leader Fil Rodriguez said his group had never paid anybody to join them in the rally, which they staged for two times now. The protesters have vowed to organize bigger rallies in their move to make Governor Eddie Panlilio realize the "whole of Pampanga" is calling for his resignation.
Other sacked quarrymen echoed Rodriguez's denial, saying "We don't even have money, and we have to pay?"
The group said their supporters voluntarily come and join their rallies with nothing given them in return -- no fare, no gasoline allowances, not even food. They explained that, because of insufficient funds, they mobilize and invite their supporters via a text brigade.
The issue drew attention on Wednesday when a local TV station received the mystery text that said the residents gathered at the barangay hall waiting for their "take."
But apparently, not one of the residents there validated the report and denied they were promised P200 each for their attendance.
Sources at the concerned barangay reached by Sun.Star on Wednesday morning also denied the report, saying they went to the rally to manifest their support for the protesters and the recall move.
Packy David, a youth leader said "We went there to sympathize with them and not because they paid us."
Kambilan president Rosve Henson also denied the reports, saying: "save for the snacks which we dole out to our volunteers and participants, we do not pay those who sign the recall petition."
Henson added that they just requested and "borrowed" the stage from the protesters to air their call on the recall move. But he denied ever promising money or paying Kambilan supporters who attended the rally.
