52 governors back GMA

MANILA, Philippines – Fifty-two provincial governors called yesterday on critics of President Arroyo to adhere to the rule of law in pushing her to face allegations of involvement in the ZTE-NBN scandal.

Showing their support for Mrs. Arroyo, the governors led by Misamis Occidental Gov. Leo Ocampos, League of Provinces of the Philippines chairman, made a  “unity walk” around Malacañang and attended a Cabinet meeting on preparations for the food summit next month.

Ocampos said the governors have conducted public forums in their provinces on the political situation in Metro Manila.

Their constituents were skeptical of the Senate investigation on the NBN contract, he added.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, who had earlier made a controversial remark about Mrs. Arroyo, was seen making mano, the traditional Filipino greeting of touching an elder’s hand to one’s forehead.

“It was an inappropriate remark,” he said.

Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes and Bataan Gov. Enrique Garcia said the mayors and other local officials in the provinces took part in their public forums.

“What they said is that they want the rule of law to prevail in resolving all these controversies,” Garcia said.

Antique Gov. Sally Zaldivar said the public forums on the political situation was a “revelation.”

“All of the mayors and the barangay officials wanted to speak up, and I found out they all had a personal attachment to the President because of the projects and help she has extended to the municipalities,” she said.

Sarangani Gov. Miguel Rene Dominguez said his province was willing to “adopt” Malacañang and host the seat of government.

“We would like to remind everybody that Manila is not the Philippines,” he said.

He invited the public, including the senators and the opposition groups, to visit the provinces to make an assessment of the situation outside Metro Manila.

Quirino Gov. Dakila Carlo asked government officials to observe strictly the rule of law.

“These laws were not made by President Arroyo, but they were made by the previous Congresses,” he said. “Due process is mandated by the Constitution.” – Paolo Romero