Ed Panlilio---be our Moral Leader

A commenter on this space told the truth about my stand on Panlilio. She says that the reason why I discourage Ed Panlilio, who today announced his bid for the presidency in 2010, is I am frustrated over the alternative candidates of the past and taking this out on the Pampanga governor.

Jemaima, that is true. And frustration seems so lame a word to describe what I felt. In 2000, many of my generation, including those who were extremely promising were enticed by the sweet prospect of an economist cum president. Nine years later, we're not only frustrated---we're totally angry.

We thought that the problem was economic and the solution, an economist. Now, the problem is graft and corruption rooted on immorality and people generally thought that the solution lies on transforming this Republic to a Catholic colony.

Now, on Ed Panlilio, I am not only frustrated--I'm exasperated with him. Why? Because probably he misinterpreted the voice of God. Probably God asked him to continue his mission to cleanse Pampanga of dirty politics and gambling and not the entire country. Or, probably it was "Batasang Pampanga" instead of "Batasang Pambansa."

It also sent a wrong message to those who want to serve God---serve country first or serve the Mammon first. Or, a message which says " presidency instead of the priesthood." With a declining number of men going to the seminaries to apply as priests, Panlilio's act would probably worsen the number.

I remember one case similar to that of Manong Ed---Apolinario dela Cruz. Dela Cruz led a revolt in Northern Luzon against the Spaniards under the Confradia. He said God asked him to, he said. Leading thousands to slaughter, De La Cruz was eventually arrested and murdered.Others followed after him, including the 1967 massacre at the Mendiola bridge under the leadership of a certain De Los Santos.

It would have been better if Manong Ed announced his support and leadership to the New Philippine Revolution against this administration. That would have been great. That would have been inspiring. It would have been a great video grab showing Manong Ed leading thousands of flag-carrying people going to Malacanang armed with Godly will and passion.

That, I think, is the TRUE MISSION of Manong Ed---be the inspiring leader of our age. Be our Cardinal Sin. Be our moral guide. Be our Rock. That is, I think, God told Manong Ed when he was contemplating on his next political move. Unless of course, another god or a lesser being masquerading as "God", communed with him.