Recall move vs Pampanga gov launched

SAN FERNANDO, Philippines – A newly established group on Thursday started gathering signatures to have Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio recalled. Engineer Rosve Henson, president of the Kapanalig at Kambilan ning Memalen Pampanga Inc. (Kambilan), said they aim to draw at least 100,000 signatures in their campaign. “The province had 997,000 registered voters in the 2007 elections so we need that number of signatures to muster the 10 percent required by the law” Henson said. His gross violation of pertinent provisions of the Civil Service Law; the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act; Republic Act No. 6713, otherwise known as Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees; and for Grave Misconduct in Office were mentioned as among the grounds for the petition against Panlilio. “As a premier province, Pampanga has the right to have the best government and let us give this to our mother province,” Henson said. Henson described Kambilan as a non-profit and non-stock organization formed by former members of local government units and representatives from the business community and the Church. The group was founded and registered in the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) last July. Panlilio had earlier dismissed recall initiatives against him, saying they are part of living in a “free country.” “This is a free country and they have the right to due process. But we will respond as soon as they expressed their intention. We will consult with our lawyers,” he said. - with Wilfredo Villareal, GMANews.TV