‘DEATH OF DEMOCRACY’
No recall in Pampanga

March 6, 2009

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Manila – its the death of democracy as they recall the petition of the availability of the funds.

Thus said Lolita Hizon, chairperson of the Citizens Organization for Unity, Support, Critical Initiative and Community Empowerment (CONSCIENCE) Inc., yesterday as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) virtually shut down the door for the recall petition against Gov. Eddie Panlilio. Hizon, who met Comelec Chairman Jose Melo at his office, said “the people of Pampanga could not go on having an incompetent governor.” Melo said “for now I could say to you that there will be no recall elections in Pampanga and anywhere in the country.“

No time. No money,” said Melo, who was speaking in the dialect with his provice mates. “Time is constricted.”

“It’s useless to go with the process if nothing will happen with the recall petition and we have no money,” he added.

Melo disclosed that the recall petition bearing some 224,000 signatures have been found to be sufficient in “form and substance.” He added that the Comelec had asked for a reply from legal counsels of Panlilio and “it ended there.”

Joining him in the meeting were Former Bulacan Rep. Willie Villarama and CONCIENCSE officials Jun Hizon, Mading Canda, Benny Espino and Dick David.

Former Board Member Rosve Henson, president of the Kapanalig at Kambilan Ning Memalen Pampanga Inc. (Kambilan), said the Comelec should go on hearing the recall petition they filed against Panlilio until May 9 when it is still allowed.

“The Comelec should not worry about the fundings because that is the problem of the national government,” said Henson. He was greeted by placard-bearing rallyists in front of the Comelec main office who came from Pampanga.

Henson said “as I have said it’s should not subjected to avalibility of funds.”

“What we want is for the Comelec to go on with the process and end where it should until May 9,” Henson added. “The people of Pampanga have been deprived of their democratic rights.”