Panlilio: Pineda voters ‘bought’ …including his relatives in Minalin

BY: JOEL P. MAPILES


CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- Outgoing Gov. Eddie “Among Ed” Panlilio claimed that the almost half a million (488,521) Kapampangans -- including his relatives -- who cast their votes in favor of Governor-elect Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda were “paid.”

Meanwhile, the 242,367 people who favored his candidacy were “reformed citizens.”

Panlilio said that he felt “a little pain” in his heart because even his close kin in his hometown fell prey to alleged vote buyers.

“Pati ring kamag-anak ku, mesali lang tia P1,500 per head and P4,000 per bubong (Even my close kin were sold, P1,500 per head and P4,000 per household),” he alleged.

The outgoing governor believes that the 242,367 voters who believed in him definitely were not bought.

“They are those who believe in good governance,” he said.

Panlilio said that while he respects the proclamation of Pineda by the Comelec, he does not believe that Pineda really won the gubernatorial race. He branded those who voted in favor of the governor-elect as “sold voters.”

Panlilio said for now, they have no plans of filing an electoral protest regarding the results of the gubernatorial race, as he claimed that he has no money to do so.

Asked by Central Luzon Daily about political reconciliation for the sake of the Kapampangans, Panlilio said he is very much open for reconciliation in terms of cooperation. However, he said he is not a hypocrite or “plastic” to do so much as a “beso-beso” with Pineda and her allies.

Panlilio said the transition team to be formed by Pineda will not have a hard time cooperating with his staff, as they are bent on giving their full cooperation for the smooth turn-over of obligations and responsibilities to the incoming administration.



Pineda’s reaction

Pineda said majority of the Kapampangans have already spoken through their votes, noting that Panlilio should respect the rights of the people in choosing the candidates they want to lead them in the next three years.

The governor-elect asked Panlilio to give the Kapampangans who voted or her some sort of dignity and decency, as they deserve utmost respect whether they are rich or poor or whatever their status in life is.

“Huwag naman pong ipalagay ni Governor Panlilio na nabibili ang mga Kapampangang ayaw na sa kanya tulad ng mga nasa business sectors at iyong mga maralitang mga Kapampangan. Bigyan naman niya ng respeto at huwag siyang magkaroon ng mababang pagtingin sa mga kamag-anak niya at mga Kapampangang bumoto at naniniwala sa akin,” Pineda said.

Pineda claimed that on the night of May 9, before the elections, she asked the local police in the province to apprehend supporters of candidates who would resort to vote-buying, making sure that no one among her supporters would do so.

Pineda said Panlilio should stop sour-graping and blaming her and the Kapampangans for his shortcomings in the delivery of basic services.

Pineda said as a true Christian, she still respects the former priest and outgoing governor, even as Panlilio had badmouthed her and her family.