Panlilio top financier switches sides, inks recall petition vs gov

BACOLOR, Pampanga – A top financier of Pampanga Gov. Eddie T. Panlilio in the 2007 elections has switched sides and signed the petition to recall him during a meeting with her allies at her mansion in Cabalantian village here Friday morning. Lolita Hizon, Pampanga’s Best owner, inked the document and the event was witnessed by about 600 supporters. “One of my greatest regrets in life is helping the candidacy of Gov. Eddie Panlilio," said Hizon after signing the document. Hizon said there is “nothing wrong" with the recall. “This is a very good sign that democracy is still alive in the country," she said. A group that calls itself "Kapanalig at Kambilan Ning Memalen Pumping" (Kambilan) launched last August 21 the recall move against the priest-turned-governor. Kambilan, led by former board member Rosve Henson, invoked "loss of confidence." Sun.Star Pampanga reported last week that Henson had accused Panlilio of failing to come up with "any concrete government program and deliver the needs of the people in the province." "Another indication of the loss of confidence in his (Panlilio's) administration is the disharmony in the Provincial Government today," Henson told Sun.Star. He told Sun.Star that Panlilio is also being recalled due to the governor’s alleged "gross violation of pertinent provisions of the Civil Service Law, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and for grave misconduct in office." At the Cabalantian mansion, Hizon said she is supporting Kambilan’s move to recall the governor. “The governor need not worry about the recall if he believes that he is doing his job and if he is true to his words," Hizon said. Hizon, the woman behind the battle cry “Krusadang Pamagbayu (crusade for change)," claimed the governor is now losing supporters and said the signs are clear “that there is something wrong with his administration." “I’m also starting to wonder if he is going to abandon his promises to the people, like he abandoned the highest calling of his vocation," she added. The former Panlilio ally signed the recall petition together with her supporters in the IBACA group who also reportedly voted and supported the candidacy of Panlilio in the 2007 elections. “These people spelled the difference for Panlilio’s win (in 2007)," she said. IBACA members said that like Kambilan they are also invoking loss of confidence in Panlilio. “Pasalamat ku king tiwala at suportang bibye yu kanaku napun nakadwa na, ngeni at karing daratang pang panaun (I thank you for your support yesterday, today and tomorrow)," said Hizon. When asked who would be the best to replace Panlilio, Hizon said: “I am not endorsing any candidate but definitely Governor Panlilio is not the best alternative if the recall election will push through." In the end, Hizon reminded Kapampangans to be objective in choosing Panlilio’s replacement. - Ashley Jay Manabat