Pampanga mayor to Panlilio: Let law take its course

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines   – “If we truly want transparency, let the Comelec do its job and recount the votes. In the end the truth shall be revealed.”

This was the reaction of Floridablanca Mayor Eddie Guerrero to Gov. Eddie Panlilio who wants to stop the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the “recount of votes.”

Guerrero said that the recount must not be “blocked” by Panlilio’s camp but rather continue for the sake of a democratic process and transparency.

He also said that branding the recount as “no moral authority” is unfair and biased, saying that in a democratic country, everyone is entitled to a fair and just process, which is why there are the proper courts to hear both parties.

“We are a country of laws and not of men, we must respect the rule of law and everyone is entitled to a fair and just proceedings whether rich or poor. If we truly want to know who won in the 2007 elections by all means let the recount continue,” he said.

The mayor said that he is wondering why Panlilio, who is always speaking of transparency and good governance, is now “blocking” the recount of ballots, since it is also the right of the Pinedas to “seek the truth.” 

“The way I understand it, the Pinedas never said Panlilio cheated them but rather the Pineda family is seeking for a recount in their belief that the “Nanay Baby” votes were not counted in favor of Pineda.

Guerrero said Panlilio should not “pick on” the Pinedas since they have obeyed the due process by going to the proper venue to air their grievances – the Comelec and the Supreme Court.

“If Gov. Panlilio truly believes that he won the 2007 election, then he has nothing to fear and let the recount continue, if he wants transparency and good governance, more so, he should not block the recount. Then let the truth come out and respect the rule of law,” the mayor said.

The recount proceedings are expected to be finished in 45 days at the Comelec Main Office.  

Panlilio won in the 2007 election by a slim margin of 1,147 votes over Pineda.