CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Gov. Eddie Panlilio said that a multi-sectoral “discernment group” has not yet given up considering another person, not Prof. Randy David, its candidate against Pres. Arroyo in the congressional race in Pampanga’s second district in next year’s elections.
This, even as he stressed that “to block Pres. Arroyo in (her reported congressional bid) in the second district is already a great public service” amid criticisms that David’s primary motive in his plans to run for congressman is to prevent her from winning.
“I and the group still believe that the choice of a congressional candidate against Pres. Arroyo should be a product of collective effort. I still believe it should be a group decision,” Panlilio told Punto in a telephone interview.
Panlilio also clarified that he has not entertained running for congressman against the President. “It’s another person who is being considered,” he stressed.
The governor declined to identify the person being urged by what he referred to as “a discernment group” which, he stressed is composed of the same persons who had supported his gubernatorial candidacy in 2007.
The group which endorsed his candidacy then were composed of Catholic priests and other Christian leaders.
But he said that while the group has already united behind the person they want to run against Mrs. Arroyo, David could still end up being the group’s candidate amid continuing discussions on the political scenario in the second district.
Malacanang has neither confirmed nor denied reports that the President will run for Congress in next year’s election, a suspicion triggered by her frequent visits to her district starting this year.
Panlilio said that countering the President’s congressional bid is “by itself a great service to the Filipino people”.
“She has to be made answerable for all the allegations of corruption against her,” he said.
But he also said that her challenger “must go deeper” that merely preventing her from winning as congresswoman by preparing for his role as representative of the people in Pampanga’s second district.
Panlilio also advised David to “be more open to the people” in the second district and “get their sentiments to be able to represent them in Congress.”
In a text message, David told Panlilio he would run only if the President files her congressional candidacy.
This, even as he stressed that “to block Pres. Arroyo in (her reported congressional bid) in the second district is already a great public service” amid criticisms that David’s primary motive in his plans to run for congressman is to prevent her from winning.
“I and the group still believe that the choice of a congressional candidate against Pres. Arroyo should be a product of collective effort. I still believe it should be a group decision,” Panlilio told Punto in a telephone interview.
Panlilio also clarified that he has not entertained running for congressman against the President. “It’s another person who is being considered,” he stressed.
The governor declined to identify the person being urged by what he referred to as “a discernment group” which, he stressed is composed of the same persons who had supported his gubernatorial candidacy in 2007.
The group which endorsed his candidacy then were composed of Catholic priests and other Christian leaders.
But he said that while the group has already united behind the person they want to run against Mrs. Arroyo, David could still end up being the group’s candidate amid continuing discussions on the political scenario in the second district.
Malacanang has neither confirmed nor denied reports that the President will run for Congress in next year’s election, a suspicion triggered by her frequent visits to her district starting this year.
Panlilio said that countering the President’s congressional bid is “by itself a great service to the Filipino people”.
“She has to be made answerable for all the allegations of corruption against her,” he said.
But he also said that her challenger “must go deeper” that merely preventing her from winning as congresswoman by preparing for his role as representative of the people in Pampanga’s second district.
Panlilio also advised David to “be more open to the people” in the second district and “get their sentiments to be able to represent them in Congress.”
In a text message, David told Panlilio he would run only if the President files her congressional candidacy.
