Group: Let guv finish his term
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Supporters of Governor Eddie Panlilio pleaded Monday with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and former senior board member Lilia Pineda to allow the priest-turned-governor to finish his term.
In a press conference at the Capitol, the group, led by Patrick Pantaleon of the La Salle-Ateneo at Marami Pa Coalition, said there are less than 70 days to go before the May 10 elections.
Pantaleon and the other supporters of Panlilio came in the midst of reports that results of the motion for reconsideration are to be handed down about two weeks from now.
Panlilio last Monday filed the motion for reconsideration before the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) Second Division after the February 11 promulgation of Resolution 2007-04, where Pineda was declared the rightful winner of the gubernatorial race in 2007.
In the ballots revision and appreciation done by Comelec, Pineda was ahead by 2,011 votes.
“Why don’t they just let Among Ed (Panlilio) finish his term? Why do they keep on pushing for the speedy ouster of Among Ed, who is an advocate of good governance? Nakikiusap po kami sa Comelec, kay Mrs. Arroyo at kay Pineda na patapusin na muna ang kanyang term at saka tayo magkaalaman ulit kung sino talaga ang gusto ng taong bayan,” Pantaleon said.
He alleged that Malacañang, despite its denials of having no influence on the Comelec decision, was instigating the “fast tracking” of the ruling.
“It’s related to the plan that will put Mrs. Arroyo as prime minister. And we vow to look into these,” he said.
Pantaleon added that his coalition, composed of about 200 other groups with hundreds of thousands of members, will focus on the current political issues in the province more than any other area.
Panlilio, for his part, thanked them as he hit on the Pineda camp for questioning their manifestation of support.
“Sabi nila noon ay bakit nakikialam ang hindi naman mga Kapampangan. Ang tanong ko ay bakit kaya sila walang suporta galing sa labas ng probinsiya?” Panlilio asked.