I have always been interested in the journey of Among Ed Panlilio since he declared, in the face of seemingly invincible political rivals, his candidacy to the gubernatorial race of the province of Pampanga. I was curious of his reasons for running, the reaction of Kapampangans, and the reactions of the clergy especially of the bishops, particularly bishops in the Archdiocese of San Fernando, where Among Ed belongs. Now, I always look forward to reading news about him as governor of Pampanga. I have been interested not only because Among Ed is a brother priest, but more importantly because I want him to succeed. I wish that Among Ed delivers to his constituents a kind of governance free from self-centeredness and filled with authentic concern for the least, the last and the lost. Let us include Among Ed in our prayers.
This interest I share now in my multiply site. From now on the Masigasig site will have a particular interest in news, articles, and whatever write ups regarding Among Ed Panlilio and his quest for genuine service through good governance. Masigasig beleives that if good governance triumphs in Pampanga, through the selfless efforts of Gov. Panlilio, his journey will be a light shining brightly for the national government - a light that will give hope beyond our imagination; a hope that will change the landscape of Philippine politics. Masigasig is praying for Among Ed.
SC orders Pampanga vote recount stopped
MANILA, Philippines -- The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the recounting of votes for governorship in Pampanga stopped.
In its resolution, the high court issued a status quo order until it resolves the petition filed by Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio and gave the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and Panlilio's rival, former Pampanga board member Lilia Pineda, 10 days to comment on Panlilio's petition.
Panlilio, through his lawyers Romulo Macalintal and Ernesto Francisco Jr., urged the high court to issue a temporary restraining order and/or writ of preliminary injunction to stop the Comelec from implementing its order for the revision of ballots from 4,847 precincts in Pampanga in response to the election protest Pineda filed last year.
The case was elevated to the high court after the Comelec dismissed Panlilio's motion for reconsideration.
Panlilio said Pineda's suit is based on bare and general allegations of fraud and irregularities which, under existing jurisprudence, had already been held as "virtually impossible" in view of the presence of watchers stationed at the back of election inspectors.
"[That] she was cheated in all these 4,836 precincts without any objection from her watchers or without questioning before the Boards of Election Inspectors in the said 4,836 precincts...is a very incredible and unbelievable claim indeed." Panlilio’s petition said.
Pineda, also employed a "shotgun approach" when she include all possible grounds for an election protest without any regard of the fact that they are absolutely without any factual basis and understandably, cannot be substantiated," the governor’s petition added.
