Noynoy courts voters in Arroyo home province

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga — Backed by his local allies, presidential aspirant Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III on Wednesday courted vote-rich Pampanga province, bailiwick of his political foe President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Aquino, who is campaigning in the province for the first time since the start of the official campaign period last February 9, was accompanied by Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio, who is seeking re-election, and LP vice gubernatorial candidate Marco Lazatin. At a press conference in the Jose Feliciano College in Mabalacat town, Aquino said he is not giving up on Pampanga even though the province, especially its second district, is known to be pro-Arroyo. Describing Pampanga as one of the "friendliest areas," Aquino noted that Pampangenos backed up his father, martyred senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., and his mother, the late former president Corazon Aquino, during the martial law era. "Ito po'y huling kampanya ko na rin, bumabalik po ako sa aking pinagmulan. At ako'y umaasa na talagang ngayon ho makakadesisyon nang malaya ang ating mga kababayan at makikita natin po uli yung talagang pagkatagal-tagalan na ugnayan at pagtutulungan po natin," said Aquino, who has previously said he won't run for any other position after his presidential term if he wins in the May elections. (This is my last campaign, and I am going back to where I began. I am hoping that the people can now decide freely and we will see the relations and assistance we have long extended to one another.) Vote-rich province Pampanga, the 12th most vote-rich province in the country, has over 1.2 million registered voters. But if LP local candidates' allegations that they are being "harassed" by Arroyo supporters in the province are any indication, Aquino may have to work hard to win Pampanga over. Panlilio said the motorcade of LP local candidates in Lubao —Mrs. Arroyo's hometown — were "harassed" by supporters of Lakas-Kampi-CMD's standard bearer Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and gubernatorial bet Lilia Pineda last Sunday. "Meron pong certain culture of fear na tinataguyod dito sa Pampanga (There is a certain culture of fear being instilled here in Pampanga)," said the priest-turned-governor. Panlilio said their vehicles were hit and kicked by alleged Arroyo supporters bearing campaign materials of the administration bets. "Yung isa po pinalo yung bibig ng tarpaulins na may matigas nasa loob at may sinabing hindi na kayo makakaalis ng Lubao ng buhay (One of us was hit on the mouth with tarpaulins that had something hard inside, and we were told that we won't be able to get out of Lubao alive)," Panlilio claimed. Despite this, Panlilio said they will not be cowed into submission. Aquino also said the LP will provide whatever assistance they could give to Adonis Simpao, the party's bet against President Arroyo who is seeking a congressional seat for the second district. [See: Unknown Adonis challenges the gods of Pampanga] Panlilio vs Pineda Panlilio himself is facing a tough battle in the province. On February 12 this year, he was unseated by the Commission on Elections' second division. The poll body ruled in favor of Pineda, a close ally of Mrs. Arroyo. [See: Panlilio ousted as Pampanga governor; who’s next in line?] Panlilio has since appealed the ruling before the Comelec en banc. After the press conference, Aquino and his local allies began their motorcade to various towns. LP senatorial candidates Muntinlupa City Rep. Ruffy Biazon, doctor Martin Bautista, and Sonia Roco were also with Aquino. Senatorial candidate Alex Lacson's wife Pia was present to represent him. — RSJ, GMANews.TV