Panlilio accused of using 2010 polls as ‘graceful exit’

MANILA, Philippines - A political ally of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has accused Governor Ed Panlilio of using the 2010 presidential elections as a “graceful exit" from his “failed" leadership of Pampanga province. “Bilang Kapampangan, bilang mayor, nakikita ko rito na nagbibiro lang si Gov. Panlilio at ito [presidential bid] ay isang graceful exit sa pagka-gobernador niya," said Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo in an interview on local radio on Monday. [Speaking as a citizen and a mayor of Pampanga, I can see that Gov. Panlilio is just joking and his (presidential bid) is just a graceful exit from his being a governor.] In his almost two years in office, Panlilio hardly had any accomplishments except for "story telling," according to Pelayo. Pelayo, one of the signatories in the recall petition against Panlilio said that while he had nothing personal against the governor, the public should choose a candidate “who has vision," and “who is right [for the position]." As of Monday, Panlilio has remained undecided on whether he would seek a presidential post with Isabela Governor Gracia Cielo “Grace" Padaca as his running mate in the 2010 polls. Panlilio said he was still thinking on whether he would pursue a presidential bid. "Patuloy pa rin ang ating discernment. Mas nakikita ko ang aking sarili bilang isang convenor ng reform constituency ng isang reformist presidential candidate." [I am still discerning whether to run, but I see myself more as a convenor of a reform constituency for a reformist presidential candidate.] According to Panlilio, he is now inclined to return to priesthood after his gubernatorial term. Panlilio took a leave from his priestly duties when he became governor. "Ang preference ko [My preference] even now is to go back (to priesthood). Ito ang first love ko [It is my first love]," he said. - AIE BALAGTAS SEE, GMANews.TV