P’sinan pols sign manifesto of support for GMA

BINALONAN, Pangasinan — Ninety-five percent of Pangasinan mayors have signed a manifesto supporting President Arroyo whose administration is facing anew reported destabilization plots.

Mayor Ramon Guico Jr., president of the Pangasinan Mayors’ League and national president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, told The STAR yesterday that other local chief executives nationwide have also signed separate manifestos of support for Mrs. Arroyo.

Guico, who is Mrs. Arroyo’s cousin, said the signatories include incumbent and newly elected mayors.

Even mayors of towns and cities where the President lost in the recently polls have also declared support for Mrs. Arroyo, he added.

He said the manifestos will be submitted to President Arroyo at the right time.

In the ongoing canvassing of votes in Congress, Mrs. Arroyo was leading all her rivals.

As far as Pangasinan is concerned, Guico said the reported recruitment by the opposition of protesters for a fee to march to the Batasan Pambansa complex where the canvassing is being held had been foiled.

This was confirmed by Sto. Tomas Mayor Antonio Villar Jr., founder and president of Biskeg na Pangasinan (Strength of Pangasinan), a group of powerful leaders who supported Mrs. Arroyo’s presidential bid.

Villar said his fellow Biskeg mayors told him there are no longer movements for possible destabilization moves in their respective areas.

Villar said, "Pangasinenses are peace-loving citizens. I even encouraged mayors of areas where the President lost in the last elections to unite with us and bury our political differences."

Poe won by more than 42,000 votes over Mrs. Arroyo in Pangasinan. Both claim to be from this province as Poe’s father was from San Carlos City while Arroyo’s mother was from Binalonan town.

Bayambang Mayor Leocadio de Vera Jr. said he has instructed his men to go around their municipality and ask if local chapters of religious organizations are joining any protest actions by the opposition.

De Vera said he was given assurance that there are no such actions by these groups, especially from Bangon Pilipinas of Bro. Eddie Villanueva who was ranking fourth in the presidential canvassing.

De Vera said the usual "ingredients" for destabilization moves are not present this time, indicating that the people are fed up with them.

Vice Gov. Oscar Lambino, co-chairman of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats in Pangasinan, said, "Now, more than ever, is the time to show our love for our country. Let us not be carried away by the useless instigation and selfish agenda of some people that tend to stymie the smooth operations of the government."

"We have gone through many crises which are taking their toll on our economy. It’s time to move on. Let us respect the people’s decision," he added.