“WE DO not want a ‘Nanay.’ What we want is a governor.”
With his characteristic sneer and in the most sarcastic tone, gubernatorial loser Eddie Panlilio dissed his nemesis, incumbent Gov. Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda.
So separately recounted three mediamen who attended the EDSA Revolt rites at the Heroes Hall in the City of San Fernando last Saturday, February 25.
Each one swearing to the accuracy of the quotes; one detailing that Panlilio said “do not” for greater emphasis rather than the contracted “don’t” as most are wont to say.
While billed as a reunion of “EDSA heroes,” the occasion was originally set as stage to launch the gubernatorial run of three-term City of San Fernando Mayor Oscar S. Rodriguez.
Panlilio’s address thereby serving as a veritable nomination speech to rouse the assembly to its feet in ovation, aye, in supplication for Oca to heed the cry of his people to be their Moses, leading them to the promised land of good governance.
Yeah, the morality play of 2007 in Pampanga, with Panlilio taking the messianic role then, finding resonance here.
As I wrote in this corner last issue, Oca rained on his own parade, so to speak, pre-conditioning any acceptance of the offer thrust before him on the total, unconditional, sustained support of everyone pushing him to run for governor.
Daring the assembly thus: “Kayo ang hahamunin ko. Kung kaya ninyong mag-sakripisyo tulad ko at kung hanggang saan kayo, kung sasamahan ninyo ako sa nais ninyo, kahit pikit-mata ay susunod ako at tatayo.
Pero dapat lahat ay kaantabay at kasama sa labang gusto ninyo.”
Paraphrasing EDSA’s 26th anniversary theme “Ano’ng Taya Mo Para Sa Pilipinas Natin?” Oca declared: “Taya ku nung taya kayu (I will place (myself as) a bet only if you do likewise)”
Oca impacting in the assembly the gravity, aye, the enormity of the battle for the Capitol thus: “There’s no denying the fact that performance could get you elected.
But I would have to think about it. Hindi ito ordinaryong labanan.
Kailangang timbangin ang hamon at ang nakataya kapag ating tinanggap ito at matalo. Kung ganoon man, kailangan ang bawat isa ay handang magsakripisyo sa laban na gusto ninyo. There has to be a firm assurance to this trade off.”
And the whole gathering – as reported by Sun-Star Pampanga’s Jovi de Leon – “fell mum for a few minutes.”
Which could only mean one thing: More bluff than bets obtained at the gathered assembly.
So what’s with Panlilio’s unwanted motherhood statement?
Expressing the least surprise, Zaldy Ampatuan’s clone in the local media said that was characteristic of the suspended priest, recounted-out governor, and 2010 gubernatorial also-ran.
“Mothers don’t factor much to Panlilio,” Zaldy A. avers. “Remember his reaction to his stepmother’s signing the petition for his recall in October 2008?”
Of course, I did. As written in my column titled Cinderfella that October, Panlilio said of his stepmom Maria Restinia Regala, principal of the San Pedro Elementary School in Minalin: “We weren’t really close ever since.”
And of her joining the movement to recall him from office: “That is her opinion and this is a democracy…Mas mahigpit pa yata siya kaysa mga bishops.”
“Not even our most revered Mother, the Virgen Maria was spared of Panlilio’s seeming disregard for motherhood,” Zaldy A. taking his arguments to the next level.
How can that be? For Christ’s sake, he’s a Catholic priest and the Virgin Mother is object of the highest veneration – hyper dulia, as we learn in Latin – among Catholics.
“So have you forgotten how, as sitting-governor, Panlilio banished the image of the Virgin Mary from his office, in what he said was in pursuit of ecumenism?”
Now I remember. That incident and the stoppage of the First Friday Masses at the Capitol lobby during his term formed the bases for my column Is Panlilio still Catholic?
“So, if he can reject his own stepmother, disregard an image of the Virgin Mother, what can stop Panlilio from deriding the motherhood persona of the governor, no matter how esteemed, how loved that is by the Kapampangans?
“We do not want a ‘Nanay.’ What we want is a governor.”
Really now, who’s the “we” Panlilio referred to?
Why, even Panlilio’s own superior, Archbishop Paciano B. Aniceto has only the highest regards for Pineda, as nanay and governor both.
“Isang grasya mula sa Panginoon si Nanay Baby.” So said Apu Ceto in his homily at the Thanksgiving Mass for the governor’s 61st birthday at the Nabuclod Eco-Tourism Park.
“I know na kahit noon pa na wala siya sa posisyon ay malapit na ang puso niya sa mahihirap like our Aeta brothers and sisters.”
He enjoined the Kapampangans: “Let us all pray for Nanay Baby and officials of the province. Prayer is the strongest weapon that is very important in governance.
May the Lord Jesus Christ continue giving her long life, wisdom and strength so she can go on dito sa kanyang magandang objective para sa mga Kapampangan.”
The good bishop went on to hail Pineda and her administration for “bringing to the people the graces and blessing from the Lord.”
Yeah, in unwanting a “Nanay,” Panlilio is most certainly speaking for his lonesome self. Pity poor little orphan Eddie.
