RECALL FEVER

Recently a civil society group from Pampanga called KAMBILAN launched its RECALL PETITION against Pampanga Governor elect Eddie T. Panlilio. The group stated that the main reason for their petition is that the people's loss of confidence to the leader.

According to Mr. Rosve Henson, president of Kapanalig at Kambilan ning Memalen Pampanga Inc. (KAMBILAN), that they aim to gather the 100,000 or 10% signatures requirements of the total number of registered in voters in Pampanga in the last May 2007 elections.

Kambilan leader also stated that Among Ed Panlilio violated the provision of the Civil Service Law; Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act; Republic Act No. 6713, or Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees and Grave Misconduct in Office.

Who consists of Kambilan? Mr. Rosve Henson, leader of the said group was a former member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Pampanga and a known supporter of 2007 Pampanga Gubernatorial Candidate Mrs. Lilia "Baby" Pineda. Henson cleared that the groups move is not to seat his former candidate but only give Pampanga a better government.

The group's profile is similar to the other civil society organizations in Pampanga. whereas, they are non-stock and non-profit, members are from the different sectors and registered in the Securities and Exchange Commission or SEC.

How about other civil society reactions from this RECALL move? KASAUP, a civil society organization consisting of 17 Municipal organizations upto the barangay and grassroots level remains its stand to support the incumbent elected leader Gov. Ed Panlilio and NO to RECALL.

Kapampangan Coalition Inc.'s (KCI) president Fr. Resty Lumanlan, SVD is also rejecting the Recall move, he said that it is not timely and it is a waste of time and money. Kapampangan Marangal Inc. (KMI), the civil society group who pushed priest turned politician Ed Panlilio to run for office also rejects the recall move and even the protesting B.A.L.A.S BOYS are not calling for recall or resignation of the governor. KMI, KCI and protesting B.A.L.A.S calls for Provincial Administrator Atty. Dabu's resignation.

If we would remember during Mr. Rosve Henson's interview, he said that the recall is timely because even Among Ed supporters lost their confidence with his leadership. True that there are issues wherein friends and families sometimes do not meet on the same page but this doesnt necessarily mean that we abandon them.

Pampanga Mayor's League spokesperson Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo believes that a recall is indeed a need for Pampanga. He also said that he would help to gather the required signatures in two weeks time, the 2 months target of KAMBILAN is too long. Meanwhile, Mayor Oscar Rodriguez of the City of San Fernando rejects the petition.

There is a need for the unity of Kapampangans in the province. We all know that the support for the programs of the Executive from the Legislative and Municipalities are not that effective and efficient. Indeed there are issues concerned that prevent them to work together on the same level.

These politicians should remember that the people who voted for them as Mayors, as BoardMembers and as Governor of the province of Pampanga are the same. They SHOULD respect the mandate of the Kapampangans.

These so-called leaders were elected to serve their constituency and not to be served. They SHOULD not speak for themselves but for the people concerned/affected. To be a good leader, you need to be a good listener. What do my people need? What do they want? What should i do for them? It's not what you want for them but its what the people really need. If it's RECALL that they want, let us respect it but if people REJECTS this call, let us move forward for a better Pampanga.