CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Some 200 black-clad supporters of embattled Governor Eddie Panlilio held a silent protest Thursday against the poll body’s decision declaring former board member Lilia Pineda as the rightful winner in the 2007 gubernatorial race.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Second Division led by Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer promulgated early Thursday Resolution 2007-04, proclaiming Pineda as the winner in the 2007 elections by 2,011 votes.
The Comelec then ordered Panlilio to vacate the post and allow Pineda to assume as governor, as Ferrer denied the motion of the former priest’s counsel Sixto Brillantes for a five-day extension to file their motion for reconsideration.
Many said they could not accept the promulgation and vowed to take action in the coming days.
Civil society group Kasaup spokesperson Arnel Manliclic said the Comelec’s decision is “an omen of worst things to come” and signals the death of democracy.
Speaking in behalf of the group, he vowed to support the “crusade for truth” and mass up their forces to counter the recount spearheaded by the Kapampangan Kontra Recount (KRR).
But KRR advocate Irwin Nucum told Sun.Star Pampanga they may not have enough manpower to muster “people power”. He said the group will instead go into silent protests as they plan to hold a rally on Monday.
The vigil and silent protest ended just before midnight.