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.