Kaya Natin! Statement on the Electoral Protests filed against Pampanga Gov. Eddie Panlilio and Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca
In the face of the electoral protests and complaints that have been put forth by their respective political opponents at the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), we, the leaders of Kaya Natin! A National Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership wish to reaffirm our unwavering support to our two Kaya Natin! co-founders and modern-day icons of Philippine democracy, Pampanga Governor Eddie Panlilio and Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca.
We strongly believe that the allegations of electoral fraud and cheating hurled against Governors Panlilio and Padaca by their political opponents are absolutely false and baseless. Given their lack of financial resources and political machinery, who will believe that they will have the capability to commit electoral fraud? We believe that these recent moves by some leaders at the COMELEC to rule against Governors Panlilio and Padaca is part of a grand plot by the present administration to oust duly-elected government leaders who are closely identified with the opposition, particularly with the Liberal Party. Moreover, this does not come as a surprise anymore given that their political opponents, namely former Pampanga Board Member Lilia Pineda and Benjamin Dy respectively, are known to be very close allies of this present administration.
We challenge the COMELEC and its leaders to maintain its independence as a democratic institution that is tasked to protect and preserve the true mandate of the Filipino people. Moreover, we challenge its leaders to act and decide on all its pending election cases with a sense of integrity, propriety, decency and with good conscience. Finally, we appeal to every Filipino who believes in Good Governance and Ethical Leadership to continue to remain vigilant in the face of current attacks to our country’s democratic institutions. We believe that the only way for good, well-meaning, effective and empowering leaders such as Governors Panlilio and Padaca to prevail in the face of difficulties and challenges is through the concerted and united efforts of every Filipino.
Signed:
HON. JESSE ROBREDO, Mayor, Naga City
HON. TEDDY BAGUILAT, JR., Governor, Ifugao
HON. SONIA LORENZO, Mayor, San Isidro, Nueva Ecija
HON. FLORANTE GERDAN, Mayor, Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya
HON. ROQUE VERZOSA, JR., Mayor, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur
HON. FERMIN MABULO, Mayor, San Fernando, Camarines Sur
HON. MARIVIC BELENA, Mayor, San Jose City, Nueva Ecija
HON. TEOFISTO GUINGONA III, Representative, Bukidnon
HON. JORGE “BOLET” BANAL, Councilor, Quezon City
HON. MABEL SUNGA-ACOSTA, Councilor, Davao City
HON. GLORIA CONGCO, former Mayor, Cabiao, Nueva Ecija
HON. NERIC ACOSTA, former Representative, Bukidnon
_________________Gov. Ed Panlilio and Gov. Grace Padaca are two of the few local government officials who are ethical, efficient and exemplary. It’s quite obvious that something fishy happened in that stupid COMELEC office. They’re two of our best politicians, and you strip them off of their power? I really believe in these two, in their capacity to promote good governance and instigate change in this country. I am very saddened by what just happened.
Putangina, ano ang nangyayari sa Pilipinas?
