Panlilio challenged to 'crucify' GMA if he wants to run

MANILA, Philippines - A militant lawmaker has challenged Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio to first “condemn categorically” the policies of his most popular constituent, President Arroyo, if he is serious about running in next year’s presidential elections.

Pampanga is the home province of President Arroyo.

Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros said articulating reforms is not enough and Panlilio must reject the “crimes” of the Arroyo regime.

“He should declare categorically this early his critique against the GMA presidency. Articulating reforms is not enough. First, he has to repudiate the high crimes of Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo against the Filipino people,” said Hontiveros, adding Panlilio should join the opposition.

“Any reform must emanate from the need to reverse the damage wrought by the Arroyo regime, but first, this administration and GMA herself must be condemned,” Hontiveros added.

She also challenged Panlilio to lay down his national reform agenda.

“We know what he has done in Pampanga and truly his victory was an inspiration to those who want to break the bondage of traditional politics,” Hontiveros said.

“But what are the reforms that he seeks to push at the national level? He still needs to clarify and present his position on many national issues,” she added. 

Left-leaning groups yesterday announced their support for a Panlilio-Padaca team on the condition that both governors agree to the progressive bloc’s program of government.

Civil society is drumming up support for the entry of Panlilio in next year’s elections with Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca as running mate.

Deputy Minority Leader Satur Ocampo, who once served as spokesman of the NDF, an umbrella organization of the CPP-NPA, and Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano who represents farmers, said they have no doubt about the integrity, sincerity and motives of Panlilio and Padaca, but they must commit first to a program that will reverse all anti-people policies and programs, particularly those of Pres. Arroyo.

“A Panlilio-Padaca team would be a positive move in pursuing the politics of change advocated by our progressive party list group Bayan Muna,” Ocampo said.

“Our nationwide grassroots base and broad alliance network can support the tandem’s national campaign, that is if there will be unity on the government program or platform and how it should be carried out after victory in the 2010 polls,” he said.

Ocampo disclosed that he and his progressive party-list colleagues had initiated discussions with Panlilio and Padaca separately on his group’s planned national coalition, to which the two governors expressed interest.

They want Panlilio and Padaca to categorically state that they are for genuine land reform and for the abrogation of the Philippines’ unconstitutional Visiting Forces Agreement with the US, saying these would be the Filipino peasantry’s political yardstick among 2010 presidential wannabes.

Meanwhile, Sen. Francis Escudero welcomed yesterday the move to encourage Panlilio and Padaca to run as president and vice-president, respectively. 

Escudero noted the fact that two individuals from very non-traditional backgrounds can consider running for national office shows that democracy is thriving in the country.

Meanwhile, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz yesterday said that Panlilio should first answer the issues against him before he considers running for president.

Canon Law expert Cruz said in yesterday’s forum at the Illustrado Restaurant that he had been hearing several criticisms and complaints against Panlilio.

Among these are Panlilio’s sour relations with other mayors and local officials and the continuous operation of the illegal numbers game jueteng in Pampanga. – With Christina Mendez, Evelyn Macairan