Elections

Governor Panlilio asked to rethink bid for presidency

Governor Ed Panlilio of Pampanga has hinted in the past that he might seek the presidency. And on Saturday, he finally ended the speculations and he revealed his intent that he want to contest the 2010 presidential elections. His announcement was made at the launching of a new political organization called ‘Kilos Na’, an organization that will support his candidacy.

The plans and the announcement that was made by Panlilio were met with opposition and some concerns coming from his superiors and his fellow priests. A member of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines reminded the governor about the need to rethink his position since the moment he contest the presidency and lost, then he can no longer serve his parish. The reminder for Governor Panlilio came from Tagbilaran Bishop Leonardo Medroso, who is also the CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Canon Law chair. The priest added that the moment the Pope granted his wish, then he can no longer return to his vocation. Medroso cited the Canon Law and that the moment he desired to contest the elections, then he should resign as priest before he files his COC. Right now, Panlilio is still on a leave as a priest after he ran successfully in 2007. If Medroso of Tagbilaran offered a reminder to Panlilio, a denouncement came from San Fernando Archbishop Paciano Aniceto. And in the view of Archbishop Oscar Cruz, the parishioners of Panlilio will find it hard to approach him and make a confession the moment Panlilio decides to return to priesthood. And in the opinion of Archbishop Cruz, he cannot be a priest and a politician at the same time. Cruz also ventured into the chances of Panlilio in the national elections, just in case Panlilio officially throws his hat into the ring. Cruz sees that Panlilio will have a hard time in next year’s elections since he doesn’t have the required political machinery plus he doesn’t have the support of the local officials.

In the last elections, Panlilio won even though he did not carry the support of the local officials in the province of Pampanga. He was supported by just one mayor, but still he won the seat by a margin of around 1000 votes. His win in the 2007 elections is still in question though, since there was an order coming from the Comelec to recount the votes cast for governor in 2007 elections. According to reports, Panlilio will file for a motion of reconsideration.