Local execs vow to unmask destabilization moves

Setting aside political affiliations, local executives said yesterday they will use the network of the 1.5-million-strong Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) with local government units (LGUs), non-government and people’s organizations to supplant destabilization efforts and unmask any and all evil designs against the administration of President Arroyo.

Ilocos Sur. Gov. Chavit Singson (Lakas), Negros Oriental Gov. George Arnaiz (NPC), Antique Gov. Sally Perez (Liberal), Cotabato Gov. Manny Piñol (Lihok-Mindanao), Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone (LDP) and Zamboanga del Norte Gov. Rolando Yebes (PDSP) are among the provincial leaders who have taken a united stand behind the President.

In a strongly worded resolution, the Ilocos Sur provincial board, for instance, reaffirmed its support for President Arroyo, a similar position taken by many provinces, cities and municipalities to underscore the overwhelming support Mrs. Arroyo is receiving from LGUs.

Singson, who sparked the ouster of former President Joseph Estrada in 2001, categorically declared that Mrs. Arroyo did not cheat in the May 2004 presidential elections, adding that the noises in Metro Manila do not represent the sentiments of the entire country.

Political Coalition Affairs Undersecretary Raymundo Roquero said a torrent of resolutions and letters of support and encouragement are being received by Malacañang from various LGUs in addition to text messages from the private sector urging Mrs. Arroyo not to resign.

"Local officials are saying that the foundation of the Truth Commission is beside the point and has no legal basis. They also said that calls for resignation are non-negotiable because they firmly believe that the President won fair and square," Roquero quoted the local officials.

Those who have also expressed their support for Mrs. Arroyo were Governors Ben Loong (Sulu), Wahab Akbar (Basilan), Sadikul Sahali (Tawi-Tawi), Aleem Bashier Manalao (Lanao del Sur), Melchor Borromeo (Benguet), Erico Aumentado (Bohol), Niel Tupaz (Iloilo), Rosette Lerias (Southern Leyte), Joseph Marañon (Negros Occidental) and Edward Plaza (Albay).

Joining them were City Mayors Braulio Yaranon (Baguio), Luis Biel II (Isabela), Mel Senen Sarmiento (Calbayog) and Jerry Treñas (Iloilo) and Isabela mayors’ league head Napoleon Dy of Alicia town.

The others were Mayors Francisco Rabat (Mati, Davao Oriental), Ma. Luisa Menzon (Lapinig, Northern Samar) and Edgar Bilasano (Malilipot, Albay).

"Resignation is out of the question. President Arroyo won fair and square in the last elections in Sulu. She did not cheat," Loong said.

Akbar, for his part, said Mrs. Arroyo won in Basilan without cheating.

"We condemn these allegations as they are part of destabilization moves that are affecting the economic gains so far achieved and the efforts to attain national peace and harmony," he said.

In another manifesto of support, Sahali said the people of Tawi-Tawi are solidly behind the Arroyo administration.

"We will defend her administration by all means. They should wait until the 2010 elections to elect a new president," Sahali said.

Manalao said the people and the provincial government of Lanao del Sur continues to trust and have confidence in the wisdom of Mrs. Arroyo to carry on the task of nation-building.

"These accusations against the First Family and the attacks against the President are attempts to undermine and destabilize the government. These are insidious plots to pressure President Arroyo to resign. We say ‘No,’" Manalao said.