Manong Ed Panlilio and his supporters

Frankly, I don't really mind if Ed Panlilio runs for the presidency or not. I just think that Manong Ed would better serve the Filipino People if he decides to concentrate first on improving the lives of his Kabalens in Pampanga. People who read my take on Manong Ed are misinterpreting my intentions on writing these articles. It aims to actually help supporters of Manong Ed to really discern where the good Governor should be of the most help. If you read my previous articles on Manong Ed and Isabela governor Grace Padaca, there were all very supportive of the two for being our "alternative candidates". Now, I am shifting gears because I really think that Manong Ed still has a lot of things to do in Pampanga.

Bishop Oscar Cruz already articulated what I meant in these articles. He bluntly told the entire Filipino People on what he said were "dangerous precedents". Cruz said that Manong Ed's performance as governor is still a work in progress. Now, those who sent me harsh comments for agreeing with Bishop Cruz may do so for all they want. Pero, kung ganyan na kayo na hindi pa nanalo ang kandidato ninyo, what more kung nasasa Malacanang na kayo? Ngayon pa lang, pinapakita ninyo na kung papaano ninyo titignan ang isang taong me negatibong artikulo laban kay Manong Ed. Masama yan. Your actions show the true character of your candidate.

We live in a democratic society. If someone writes a contrari view, then, the most logical thing for someone to do is answer his questions as straight forward as possible. Huwag iyong sasabihin ninyo na disappointed kayo dahil hindi ako nagsusulat ng magagandang salita kay Manong Ed. Bago kayo ma disappoint, isipin ninyo muna bakit maraming mga tao ang hindi pabor sa pagtakbo niya. There are legitimate reasons why some well-meaning people like me want sana Manong Ed to re-consider because there are still a lot of things to do to repair the political dynamics sa Pampanga, especially now that Mrs. Arroyo wants to run as Congressman dun.

I question Manong Ed's performance as governor because that's the proper thing to do--if you want to run for higher office, you need to show people the things you already accomplished. Show me proof that Bishop Oscar Cruz's allegations are wrong. Present me data. Don't go around town telling people that I'm just making these things up. Itaas ninyo ang antas ng diskursyon sa pamamagitan ng presenting data about Ed Panlilio's performance as a public servant.

I question Manong Ed's true resolve against graft and corruption after a former supporter (the owner of Pampanga's Best) of his presented evidence on the alleged 5 million pesos or so that she reportedly contributed to Manong Ed's governadorial run na allegedly nawawala at hindi nai-reflect sa statement of electoral expenditures ng kagalang-galang na governor.

I question Manong Ed's true capability to unify the disparate political groups and forces in this country because of incidents where some urban poor and transport groups conducted rallies against him at the capitol. There were news reports saying that even some mayors and some Board members are not working together with him.

And do you know why I want Manong Ed to answer these things? PARA matulungan siya laban sa mga ibang political forces who will definitely attack him pagka nagsimula na ang campaign period by February. Anong masama dun?

Ang masama ay ang mga aksyon at salita ng mga supporters ni Manong Ed. Ngayon pa lamang, pinatutunayan ninyo na na you are doing a great disservice to your candidate. Ibig ninyo palang sabihin, kapagka nanalo na si Manong Ed, ay dapat walang magsulat ng negatibo against him? Or, dapat walang magsalita laban sa kanya. Na dapat tumameme na lang tayong parang tuta o parang tupa pag siya na ang pinaguusapan? Hindi naman yata tama yan.

Ang totoong kaibigan, hindi nagsisinungaling sa kapwa kaibigan. May kasabihan nga sa atin dito sa Pilipinas--kung mahal mo ang kaibigan mo, huwag mo siyang itulak sa pulitika. At dahil, tulad ninyo, mahal ko si Manong Ed at suportado siya ng mga tulad kong aktibista diyan sa Central Luzon, hindi ako magsisinungaling sa kanya at sasabihing tumakbo ka when all the prospects are against his favor. Hindi ko siya itutulak sa kapahamakan.

The true supporter will not act like Hitler's SS just to hide the flaws of his candidate. You engage me with facts. You engage me with data and pieces of evidence. Don't try to tell people that we just need a moral candidate for president. Tell people that aside from having a solid moral foundation, Manong Ed is a performer and a staunch anti-graft and corruption advocate.

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.

Ed Panlilio as President--Sure. Let's Get Real.

I have one question for my friend and colleague over at Filipino Voices. Cocoy wrote an entry entitled " The President Priest" which he asked Pampanga governor Ed Panlilio to go run for the presidency. He says Panlilio's "gift of discernment" could be used to solve the nation's problems. He also says that Panlilio could provide the "rallying point" for "deep thinkers and strategists" to come together and solve the people's problems. Sure.

Cocoy, if Panlilio can't even unite the fragmented political groups in Pampanga, asa pa tayo that he can do such a thing as president. Okey, so how would he lead a peace negotiation, by prayer? Would Panlilio be expected to pray over the peace negotiators from the MILF? How would Panlilio act before the atheistic members of the CPP-NPA-NDF? Would Panlilio lead them all to a prayer session before resuming peace talks?

How would Panlilio approach the Reproductive Health bill? Would he sign it? How about an abortion law? Would he sign it? Or, how about when Congress passes a law that bans prayers in Catholic schools, would Panlilio sign it?

How would he then talk with the leaders of the Iglesia Ni Kristo? Or Eli Soriano of the Dating Daan? How would he feel about the Hindus and the Buddhists living in this country? What if a Catholic institution or a Catholic corporation encounter graft charges? What then would be the position of Panlilio?

If, say, terrorists again bomb Mindanao and kidnap members of the civilian populace there and the only measure is a military strike which, obviously, would mean killing scores of people, what then? How would Panlilio decide on this? Will he wage war against the enemies of the state? Or, will he just ask everybody to just pray that we tide these things over?

Let's admit it---Panlilio's win as governor of Pampanga is, at best, an aberration. The reason is quite simple---at that time, the people faced both the devil and Beelshebub. A known big-time jueteng lord wants to be governor while a political scion of a discredited name also wants to continue his graft-filled governance. Faced with no better option, the people voted for Panlilio.

IN 2010, the people will be faced by so many options, better than Panlilio. Let me ask the handlers of Panlilio---are you friends or two-faced enemies of the governor? Why are you pushing him out of Pampanga politics where he's actually the best bet of the people there? You're pushing Panlilio to hell. Why, because you're disappointed of his performance and you want a sequel of the Macapagal-Lapid-Pineda triumvirate?

If Panlilio and his supporters really want to help the country, ask him to run again as governor. That way, he'll be able to destroy this triumvirate and continue on the reforms he already started in Pampanga.

Manong Ed---your mission is thwart the plans of the evil triumvirate of Macapagal-Lapid-Pineda. Do it. Run again as governor. Don't go for the presidency. Or maybe you're decision was made out of fear. You're afraid that the people might not vote for you anymore? Prove that your governance in that province is no fluke.

Deconstructing Ed Panlilio--a failure in governance

Honestly, the chances of Pampanga governor Ed Panlilio winning in a multi-party presidential contest is very slim. First, Panlilio is not as popular as an Erap. Second, you need an expansive grassroots organization, especially since the elections has now been automated. And third, since you need a humongous political organization, you need a large campaign kitty.

Besides, Panlilio is also not the ideal presidential candidate. Is three years as governor enough for him to really say that he's qualified for the highest executive post? Is Pampanga so much better now than before that he can confidently say that its the perfect governance model for the entire country to adapt? Panlilio should present his performance or service record as a governor first to prove that he has the wherewithal and the skills and experience to qualify as our president.

If its integrity that Panlilio thinks he has, then, he needs to resolve questions on campaign funds first. He is not entirely clean.

He also needs to re-assess his leadership style. Did he successfully united all political forces in his own province? No. Did he instilled discipline and morality in government service? No. How about his relationship with his constituents? Is Panlilio working very closely with his vice governor, board members, mayors and councilors in his province? No. In fact, the reason why they're all silent on the governor's plan is they want him out of Pampanga local politics.

Let's be realistic for a while. Do we actually need a moralist to be our president? Is morality the root cause of our miseries? If it is indeed, then, the solution is not to install or vote for a moralist. We need a socio-cultural thought regime change to do just that. We need the entire country to at least pause for a while and "re-imagine" our moral values.

I think this ploy of Panlilio is not a good thing. First, it aims to divide the opposition vote. Second, Panlilio's campaign would cause further division in the anti-administration ranks, leading to what observers think as a win for the administration. I don't know if Panlilio and his handlers deliberately want this to happen. Wittingly or unwittingly, Panlilio should desist from his plan. Probably, this is a scheme by Panlilio to divert public attention to the worsening economic and political situation in his province. Panlilio knows very well that should he run for another term, he'll surely lose. The experiment for open democracy in Pampanga failed because of Panlilio.

PPCRV-COMELEC Presidentiable Forum sa Plaza Miranda--Mabuhay!

Maganda ang kinalabasan ng isinagawang presidential forum ng PPCRV at COMELEC ngayong gabi. Bagamat nabasa ako sampu ng pamilya ko sa ulan, hinamak namin ang bagyo, makadaupang palad lamang ang mga makabayang mga pinunong ito na handang handang pagsilbihan tayo at ituwid ang kamaliang ang pangalan ay Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Dama ko ang sinseridad sa tinig ni Senator Richard Gordon. Sa kabila ng samu't-saring komento hinggil sa kanyang panukalang patawarin ang mga Abu Sayyaf, hindi siya nakitaan ng anumang klaseng bahid ng katiwalian o ng anumang di magandang asal sa harap nito. Isa siyang maginoo, sa pananaw ko. Ang tanong lang ng karamihan---handa na kaya tayo para sa isang Richard Gordon?

Mukhang malamlam ngayon si Loren Legarda. Inaasahan ko pa namang magkalapit sila ni Erap, na ilang araw lang ay sinabi niyang tanging puwersang aaniban niya sa pagtakbo sa 2010. Sa gabing ito, magkatabi sina Legarda at Chiz Escudero. Ibig bang sabihin nito, sila ulit ang magtatambal sa halalan sa ilalim ng Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC)? Yan na nga ba ang sinasabi ko. Pero, tingin ko, blessing in disguise pa rin ito. Dahil, maaga pa lamang, nakita na natin ang "teka-teka" attitude ni Loren.

Walang dudang handang-handa na si Erap para tumakbong muli bilang pangulo. Kumpara sa kanyang mga pahayag noong ANC Leadership forum, mas direktang sinasabi ni Erap ang kanyang kakayanan at intensyong manumbalik sa kanyang puwesto. Ang tanong--handa na ba tayo sa Erap restoration? Kung oo, handa ba tayong maipasailalim sa isang pamahalaan sa loob lamang ng tatlong taon?

Mukhang pagod naman sa biyahe itong si Chiz Escudero ngunit pagsampa pa lamang niya sa entablado, bumira na agad ang pinakabatang kandidato. Ang lagi ko lamang namang kritisismo sa kanya ay ang sinseridad sa kanyang mga salita. Tunay nga bang may lamang maganda ang kanyang mga bulaklaking pahayag? Tunay nga ba at taos sa puso ang kanyang naising mapaganda ang kalagayan nating mga Pinoy? Eksperto si Escudero sa P.R. Pero, sa kalaunan, ito bang klase ang kailangan ng taumbayan sa harap ng sanlaksa at sandamukal na suliraning kinakaharap natin?

Para namang magkapatid sina Governor Ed Panlilio at Mar Roxas. Kapwa nila suot ang Collezione Philippine shirt na pagmamay-ari ni Joey (secret ang surname) at disenyo ni Red. Alam ko, dahil kilala ko si Joey. Senyales ba ito na si Manong Ed ang magiging katambal ni Mar? Sayang. Mas maganda sana kung magsasanib puwersa sina Mar at Kiko, yan ang dream team.

Damang dama ko ang marubdob at malinis na hangarin ni Mar para sa ating bayan. Dangan nga lamang at maaga siyang sumubsob sa kampanya. May positibong epekto rin naman ang gayong istratehiya dahil pinatutunayan lamang niya na handang handa siyang tumayo para baguhin ang kasalukuyang kalagayan nating mga Filipino. Ang palagiang tanong lamang ay---handa rin ba siyang talikuran ang bilyong pisong kayamanan niya sakaling siya ang ihalal bilang pangulo?

Kung handang tumayo sa Plaza Miranda ang mga magigiting na mga kandidatong ito, ano naman kayang palusot ang sasabihin nina Bayani, Noli, Gibo at itik, este Villar?

Dahilan ba sa trapik at baha kaya hindi nakadalo si Bayani? Nagtatago ba si Noli sa takot dahil baka matanong sa kanya ang papalalang kalagayan ng housing sector sa Pilipinas? Kinakausap pa ba ni Gibo ang kanyang esposa para payagan siyang tumayo sa Plaza Miranda? O, natatakot si Gibo sa maaaring negatibong palahaw sa kanya ng mga Muslim sa Quiapo?

Ang pinaka nakakawalang gana ay ang patuloy na nag-isnab ni Manny Villar sa mga ganitong pagtitipon. Anung akala niya sa sarili niya, hari na? Oo, baka siguro sa Las Pinas. Pero, sa buong Pilipinas? Talagang nababastusan ako sa inaasal nitong si Villar. Bakit, ayaw ba niyang makilala siya ng lubusan ng taumbayan? Natatakot ba siyang mabulgar ang tunay niyang karakas?

Natatakot ba siyang matanong kung magkano ang kinita niya sa C-5 road scandal at papaano niya dinaybert ang daan para maambunan ng grasya ang mga pag-aari niya? Teka, ano nang nangyari sa ethics trial ni Villar? Bakit biglang nanahimik sina Jamby Madrigal at Senator Juan Ponce-Enrile, pati na ang magiting na si Senator Ping Lacson? Nabusalan na ba ng Camella ang mga bibig nila? O, me pag-uusap nang naganap sa pagitan ng mga nag-aakusa at ng inakusahan?

Sayang si Villar. Nalulungkot ako sa kinasasapitan niya sapagkat ang anak niya ay kasanib sa aming kapatiran. Ang duda ko, ill advised siya. Akala siguro niya, kahanay na niya si Erap na noong 1998 ay umiwas din sa mga debate at fora.

Malayo pa si Villar. Sa tingin ko, pambabastos yan dahil akala siguro ni Villar na kung nagagawa niyang busalan ang trapong midya ng kanyang pera, hawak na niya pati puso't abdo ng masa. Ang kawalang respeto ng isang katulad ni Villar na makadaupang palad ang mga maralita at ordinaryong mamamayan ay senyales lamang ng kung anong uring pamahalaan tayo sa ilalim ng isang big-time real estate magnate. Isang pamahalaang walang pagmamahal at konsiderasyon sa masang Pilipino. Pwe!

ANC Presidentiable Forum

Last night gave us a sampling of how things will turn out in 2010. Five presidentiables, led by a former top banker and economist Senator Mar Roxas, a lawyer turned Senator Dick Gordon, a young turk by the name of Chiz Escudero, a priest turned traditional politician by the name of Governor Ed Panlilio and a defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro took turns in giving some piece of their mind in slumbook questions. It was not a debate, as some, including this corner, surmise, but more like a gradiose press conference, with a bell as timer to boot.

And it also was no forum, for if it was, surely, you'll see panelists interacting with the audience. Nothing of that sort here. It was more of an ANC event presenting probable candidates to the presidency and giving the public a sampling of what they'll do if they emerge a winner in 2010.

Our options are these:

Choose:

1. A judicious economist
2. A militarist haciendero
3. A young liar
4. An activist priest
5. A self-absorbed do-gooder

At best, what we can expect are these probable scenarios:

1. If we elect Mar Roxas as our president, he'll be an intelligent and judicious president. He'll probe the excesses and corruption of this administration and seek justice. He'll be an intelligent president. He'll not pander to anybody. He'll be his own man, with Korina just in one corner, giving him support.

He'll surely improve the economy. His grasp of what's happening in the economy, both internal and external, is impressive. He'll prosecute erring government officials and file cases against private companies in the business of fooling the people.

2. Should we elect Defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro as president, we will definitely see landlords laughing all the way to the bank, turning their agrarian lands into tourism areas and selling them to foreigners. He'll be a tough president, talking peace with rebels while preparing for war. Teodoro will also change the way we see politics---from a presidential bicameral to a presidential unicameral---an obvious tendency to a militarist, totalitarian setup.

Mrs. Arroyo and her devil gang in barongs will obviously laugh their way to retirement. She'll go scot-free to Portugal or Brazil along with billions of pesos while Teodoro and his militarist herd transform the country into a totalitarian plutocracy.

3. If Chiz Escudero wins the presidency, we will surely have a populist government. Grafters and operators will have a field day while the poor will receive crumbs from the national government. Danding Conjuangco will keep his billions while other NPC stalwarts will ran rough-shod of government institutions. Nothing will change. The promise of youth will definitely be wasted in that administration.

Based on his pronouncements, Chiz Escudero would probably be a populist president. The way he pandered to the public, giving us cutsy and motherhood statements, and wary of really revealing his real message, shows you one thing---Chiz is, at best, an improvement of his father, former Marcos associate Salvador Escudero.

First thing, Chiz reiterated that he came from the poor--an obvious lie since everybody knows how rich the Escuderos are in Quezon and in Bicol. Chiz failed in answering Tina Monsod-Palma's first question as truthfully as possible.

Chiz says he does'nt have money---bull. Everyone knows Danding Cojuangco's Nationalist People's Coalition is backing him up. Since his run as Congressman, the NPC has been behind him eversince.

This early, Chiz has showed his true colors. "So young, yet so corrupt," to paraphrase Manila mayor Arsenio Lacson when he referred to a young Manila councilor who later ran as senator. For Chiz, " so young, yet a liar". How can you trust somebody who even lies about his roots?

4. If we elect Ed Panlilio, we'll surely become a theocracy. This early, Manong Ed already gave a series of sermons, good for the soul, bad for the body. In the two hours spent in that forum, Ed Panlilio the priest, failed in two fronts---raise our hopes and at least contribute to the body of literature about change. Nothing substantial was gleaned from Panlilio's sermons. Those are all motherhood statements. Even a first semester political science student could mouth those sorts of things.

5. If Senator Richard Gordon wins the presidency, we will surely see an administration peopled with volunteers while the money allotted to government goes to Big Business. Gordon will also pander to the public, giving them crumbs while allowing the elite to run rough-shod of every piece of change

Brothers and Sisters

Brothers and Sisters, a hit show in the United States, is getting so much attention right now that most New Yorkers are, according to reports, transfixed on what would happen to this dysfunctional family. Rob Lowe stars in this hit series which has so far generated so much interest. If you have satellite dishes, try to catch the show. (By the way, warning to those who do have at least one dish---did you register it with the NTC? Recently, NTC agents stormed that place in Quiapo where they sell dishes without proper authorization from the NTC. You might get yourself jailed for having those things. For those interested, a sat dish cost 4,500 pesos in Quiapo)

In our country, there are similar incidents involving brothers and sisters. For example, we know how estranged the sister of Gloria Arroyo from her and her family. She's so despise Gloria because of her having a husband like the First Golfer, according to coffee shop habitues who just can't seem to lose interest on the First Couple.

This is an exception. Most families here, brothers and sisters in fact, do help each other. Look at the Cayetano siblings. They are both Senators. And they are both loyalists of billionaire Senator Manny Villar. BY the way, Villar has just shifted tactic--from OFW to a pretty mundane cause.

Look at the Arroyo brothers. The First Gentleman loves Iggy despite, according again to reports, he threw away those billions when his estranged wife left for abroad. Some say those cache of cash was the fruit of the Jose Pidal accounts. I don't believe that.

Same here with Congressmen Mikey and Dado---they help each other. Look at how they managed to depose Speaker Jose de Venecia. Imagine, they fought a pillar of traditional politics. And they won. Great if you're both basketball teammates before. Question--is Mikey really into that jueteng thing in Pampanga, as what Pampanga governor Ed Panlilio alleges?

Unlike the Arroyos, Panlilio is now reportedly estranged himself with his parishioners who elected him governor. Some say, Panlilio is sure to end his term of office soon. That's why he's thinking of running for senator. How true? Those who supported him are probably feeling the heat. Panlilio, they say, is feeling like a king in Pampanga. Not surprising since friars once ran this country, remember? Well, I think these are just smear campaigns.

Good that we still have two sexy actresses, Ara Mina and Cristine Reyes, who are not fighting each other for turf. I can't say that to the MILF and the AFP. Everyday someone dies just for a disputed real estate.

RP Chief Justice Puno calls on the moral force against Gloria

Former Sandiganbayan justice Diosdado Peralta is now a member of the Philippine Supreme Court. This validates earlier opposition statements saying that both justices who found former Philippine president Joseph Estrada guilty of plunder will be appointed by Mrs. Arroyo to the Supreme Court, as a reward for their obedience to the current occupants of Malacanang. Congratulations, Mr. Peralta! You deserve it. Or, do you?

While this is on-going, Chief Justice Reynato Puno has called upon all Patriotic forces to launch or spearhead a moral revolt. In his interview yesterday, Puno said that what we need is a moral revolution. Very true! What would be the scenario should Puno finally agree to head the caretaker government that is poised to replace Mrs. Arroyo's graft ridden one? Remember that anti-Gloria forces were toying with the idea of Puno heading the replacement government should the revolt succeeds? Some sectors favor Pampanga governor Ed Panlilio.

Will Puno succeed against the nefarious forces of Arroyo? Only time and God will tell.