Panlilio open to dialogue with groups
By Jocelyn Uy
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:20:00 08/25/2008
MANILA, Philippines – Embattled Pampanga Gov. Eddie Panlilio is opening his doors for a dialogue with civil society groups to settle problems and concerns as he fought off a recall movement launched by his political enemies.
“I may be stubborn when it comes to my convictions but I am a dialoguing person,” Panlilio said during a press conference in Quezon City Monday.
Speaking for the first time on the recall move by Kapanalig at Kambilan ning Memalen Pampanga Inc. (Kambilan), Panlilio called on his constituents to stop “all mudslinging and destructive criticism” and move on to a “better, brighter, progressive and God-centered Pampanga.”
Kambilan launched a recall move against Panlilio, a Catholic priest who won against two political giants during the 2007 gubernatorial elections on a platform of moral crusade and good governance, on the ground of “loss of confidence” in the governor’s leadership.
To meet the requirements for a recall petition, the group, spearheaded by former board member Rosve Henson, must gather 100,000 signatures from registered voters in Pampanga.
Panlilio admitted that since the group enjoys political influence and funding, it would not be impossible for them to gather enough signatures for a recall petition.
“[But] all the issues [it] raised are baseless, therefore, invalid. The civil society groups are one with me in pushing for a crusade for good governance and reasonable citizenship,” Panlilio said, reading from a prepared statement.
“I may have [differences] with some civil society groups ... to settle these bickerings and issues, I am more than willing to hold a dialogue with them at their most convenient time and place,” he continued.
Talks about a recall move against him was nothing new, he said. As early as December last year, he has been warned of being toppled by means of three Rs – recount, recall and requiem, he pointed out.
“The recount is still pending at the Supreme Court. I survived 2007 so requiem is out of the question. What remains now is a recall move,” he said.
But he was firm in saying that he would finish his term until 2010.
Showing support to the neophyte government official were “Kaya Natin” Movement and the Pampanga-based civil society group Kapampangan Marangal Inc.
The newly launched movement said the attempt to recall Panlilio was politically motivated and urged the people not to support the recall initiative.
“We ask the Kapampangans to give Governor Panlilio a chance to fully serve his term and continue the reforms that he has began,” said Harvey Keh, one of the founders of the movement, reading a statement in behalf of the group.
The statement was signed by Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca, Ifugao Gov. Teddy Baguilat Jr., Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo and San Isidro, Nueva Ecija Mayor Sonia Lorenzo.
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