Talkback: Pampanga's Electoral Miracle

Compiled by Aguman N&CA

Various national and local news consider Among Ed Panlilio's gubernatorial win as a 'miracle'. Despite numerous rumors by word and text message and a confident announcement by Lilia Pineda's camp that Pineda and Yeng Guiao's tandem has won the top posts in Pampanga, in the end, the 'people's crusade' that not only caught fire in the province but also around the world prevailed.

As an organization of Kapampangan students, the UP Aguman will surely be affected, directly and indirectly, as an organization and as citizens. So it would be interesting to know what we have to say about this. Here are the various comments and feedback we gathered from the residents and the alumni.

What are your thoughts on Among Ed’s victory?

Truly, the Kapampangans wanted to have a change and deviate from the conventional type of ruling. Political dynasty occurring in out hometown came to an end with Among Ed now occupying the position. Having him means that we see hope for Pampanga.
~Cyrille Bautista, Kaputul 2004A

I’ve known Among Ed since I was a little girl. He was our Parish Priest then. He was and still the kindest and most humble person I know. It’s time that Pampanga have a leader that’s nearer to the hearts of our people.
~Thea Lising, Kadaya 2005A

As the media have said, Among Ed may be the key to the change in Philippine politics. Just hope that he would be a better governor despite the fact that he’s new in politics.
~Jerome Caylao, Kadaya 2005A

I think his victory, combined with the poor showing of celebrities, signifies an improvement in the maturity level of Filipinos in politics and more importantly, it shows rejection of the current administration. I’m not a big fan of the Catholic Church but I was rooting for him to win. I hear Betis will be the new capital of Pampanga, hehe!
~Lang Alejandrino, Diquit-diquit 1996A

I’m just glad that the crusade for better and cleaner governance in our province will be intensified now that Among won. I just hope that the support people showed him during the campaign will be the same once he’s seated in the position.
~Erika, Langgotsi 2006B

Among Ed is a breath of fresh air among the trapos. This is surely a good thing for Pampanga.
~Jen Castro, Lakatan 2006A

Yey! Menyambut ya y Among Ed. Clearly, this shows that God does provide. But this is merely a small step for Pampanga. the leap will largely depend on us, the constituents.
~Celine Dagdag, Sampelut 2003A

Masayang masaya kami na si Among Ed ang nanalo. Sayang nga lang dahil di ako rehistradong bumoto pero sa kanya ang suporta naming lahat dito. Buti naman, madaming Kapampangan ang gusto ng pagbabago at naniniwalang kaya ng mga Kapampangan magkaisa para sa ikabubuti ng Pampanga.
~Cindy Paguio, Kadaya 2005A

Of course I was very happy when Among Ed was proclaimed as our new Governor. But we should also be reminded that this is just the beginning of our real fight towards a better Pampanga. Now that we are blessed with a good leader, it's also time for us to do our part. May this event motivate and unite us in achieving our goal. Kapampangan ku, pagmaragul ku!
~April Parilla, Kaputul 2004A

“3P: Pera, Popularidad at Pananampalataya” – this is a how one reporter described the crusade of politics in our province during the last election period. If you’re going to follow the philosophy “choose the lesser evil” (assuming you know which P represents whom and that everything else remains fair – no vote buying and etc), there is no doubt that the latter will win. In the first place, I think it’s quite difficult and ironic to link the word “Pananampalataya” with “evil”.
And so it happened, right? The latter did win - and I have nothing against that. I think. Well, fine! I guess it would be more proper if I say, “and I have nothing against (nor do I doubt) the Faith; I have nothing against (nor do I question) the winner’s ability to run the province; I have nothing against the PERSON who won. The only thing that concerns me is, his vocation. And that apprehension made me leave that part of the ballot blank when I vote last May 14.
But then again, things happen for a reason. We don’t know what will happen next. Let’s just hope that this is really the “miracle” and “moral victory” that Kapampangans deserve. And lastly, I hope that this wouldn’t really set a new era in our politics because I still believe in the separation of the Church and the State (as much as I believe in the separation and SEGREGATION of ShowBuziness with the businesses of the State).
~Mike Peñalba, Sampelut 2003A

I feel sorry for Pampanga and the whole country. It shows the sad state of Pampanga and Filipino politics in general. I still believe in my previous comment on the UP Aguman Yahoo Groups that the only institution more corrupt than the Philippine government is the Roman Catholic Church! And to me this is proof positive that there is no god because he/she would not have let this happen.
~Villamor Manaloto, Batch 1976A

Among Ed's victory is the beginning of a long and difficult, but noble task. Among Ed for President!
~Don Yutuc, Batch 1977B

What does this say about us Kapampangans?

I’m proud to be Kapampangan. I have no right to comment though, since I did not vote. Wa, makarine talaga but here is my say anyway: Among Ed’s win is proof that there is always a choice. We should never settle. It all starts from within. He won not because he was a priest but because his heart was in the right place. And the people saw that. Thank you to those who used their right. I am definitely voting next time.
~Nat Tabucal, Tuglung 1998A

I think that the whole country will realize that we Kapampangans do know how to choose a good leader. Because for years now, our province has not been electing local and national leaders with integrity, with the likes of PGMA, Lito Lapid, etc. It’s a little sad though that a priest had to run, because I am sure we are not lacking in true servant-leaders. But still, the true clamor of the people for a new kind of leadership has a found a credible face in Among Ed -- that’s why he won. His being a charismatic priest definitely helped in rallying the Kapampangans, regardless of religion and socio-economic status for this ‘people’s crusade’. I actually attended his Meeting De Avance, and it’s one the most patriotic things I’ve done my whole life – the feeling was so overwhelming. Indeed, abak na Pampanga!
~Rex Dizon, Salagpi 2001A

The Kapampangans are mature voters and politicians. Money has no value in matters of dignity and integrity. Intelligent people equipped with divine providence.
~Michael, Lakatan 2006A

That we Kapampangans are fanatically religious, haha! Kidding aside, this victory proves that we are critical with such big decisions. We have to choose someone who’s virtuous and would stand by his principles.
~Gboi De Padua, Lakatan 2006A

Once again, Kapampangans made history. It only proves that we are more aware and smarter now, when it comes to issues of the political affairs. Naks, balamu maka-boto naku! Haha!
~Justin, Lakatan 2006A

We are thinking individuals. For a fact that we know who will do better. We have had enough of blah-blahs and bullshits. We trust the newly elected governor to deliver the service we’ve been longing for and hopefully the best we have yet to experience.
~Lucky Madlangbayan, Kasaup 2002A

Atin la pa ring paninindigan deng Kapampangan. Ali la pepadala keng nanu pa mang bage. Ing atsu pa rink eng isip da, in kapakanan da reng karelang kapwa Kapampangan. At syempre, balu da naman nung ninu ing karapat-dapat lukluk para maglingkod kekatamu, itang taung isipan na rin ing kapakanan tamu at ali ing kapakanan na. Adyang taga-Angeles City ku, Kapampangan ku pa rin at masaya kung abalu na ing katutwan manaig pa rin kareng pusu da reng Kapampangan. Haha, mabuhay!
~Dennis Manabat, Salagpi 2001A

The 2007 local elections proved to the whole world that the Kapampangan principle can't be bought. I feel proud to be a Kapampangan! I believe that we made the right choice and this change in public governance would certainly bring a brighter future for Pampanga. I just hope that the Kapampangan's vigilance and struggle for a better Pampanga won't end with the proclamation of Among Ed but let's all work together until our goal is achieved. Remember, having a good leader is not enough, members must also actively do their part to achieve a desired goal.
~Leah Salta, Sampelut 2003A

Atin kung ikwang text message ibat keng kaluguran na mikalat kanu Makati. Makataba yang puso. Makanini ya: "Sana kahit ngayong nakaraang eleksyon lang, naging Kapampangan ako. Minsan pa, pinatunayan nyong mga mequeni na hindi nabibili ng pera ang lahat ng mga Pilipino. We are so proud of you Pampanguenos. Mabuhay kayo!"
~Rox Morales, Batch 1975A

Being a priest and a political neophyte, do you think he will deliver as Governor?

Stepping up and getting out of priesthood made me realize na Among Ed is the real deal in terms of having the passion to serve our province. I believe that he could reach out more people if he serves as Governor than just being a priest alone. About his being a neophyte, I don’t think it would hinder Among Ed in serving as the new Governor. After all, Pampanga needs a new type of governance, transparent and free from corruption. I believe he has the purest intentions to change traditional politics that has been the trend with our past leaders. I think the thing we could do is to help Among Ed in making sure that other officials elected would share the same fervor in making Pampanga a corruption-free province. After all he can’t do it alone.
~Bang Dizon, Kaputul 2004A

With his advocacy of moral governance and his commitment to service to all Kapampangans, I am confident of Among Ed’s leadership. My vote was for him and my prayers are with him.
~Joyce Dela Cruz, Tuglung 1998A

I believe Among Ed will deliver Pampanga. Of course, with our help. He has my whole confidence. Being a former priest, I’m sure he has a good education and he also knows the public issues and concerns and most probably, he has the strong will to resist the temptations that will be coming his way. Being a political neophyte, he’s not yet engulfed with the political cynicism; he probably has fresh and creative idea to try on. Lack of experience might be a problem but it’s nothing he can’t solve.
~Ruth, Langgotsi 2006B

I have always opposed the idea of church people in state politics. And yes, I would have voted for Mark Lapid (given that my name was on the official list. Hay, the electoral system), mainly for familial reasons. But now that the results have been proclaimed, I rejoice, together with Kapampangans who wouldn’t want our province to sink deeper. Sabi nga ng mga supporters ni Among Ed at Mark Lapid, “huwag lang si Pineda!”. Well, I don’t think Among Ed is a political newbie. Politics is everywhere, even more in the Catholic Church. Given Among Ed’s values as a priest and his active social participation such as being a former executive director of SACOP, I think (I hope even more) that he knows what changes our province and our people need the most. What I will continually pray for is that Among will entrust Pampanga to people whose interest for the province is way greater than their interest to self-gain. Moreover, I believe that Among Ed will not be corrupted by the world; after all, he’s only human. Sabi nga ng Caviteño friend ko (circus ang politics kahit saan), “Dapat may faith pa rin tayo kahit paano sa mga leaders natin.”
~Jean Dimabuyu, Kaputul 2004A

Among Ed’s victory is a bigger victory for Pampanga. It’s nice to know that good intentions can win over guns, goons and gold. It is also remarkable that a candidate like Among Ed, did not even spend a lot in order to win. It’s the true voice of the people that prevailed. This is a good indicator if we really want change in our system. Change should start within us. Kapampangans are now tired of too much corruption in Pampanga. A vote for Among means a call for change. It’s a good thing that more Kapampangans are now wise voters though there some people who still practice the patron-client politics. However, this is the perfect time for Pampanga to show the whole country that we, Kapampangans would stand together for the best of our province.
~Zen Galban, Bucayo 2005B

I’m counting on a yes. Long as he keeps his ideals intact and also, he must learn to always consider the greater good of the Kapampangans. Meaning he must be prepared that even if he helps a lot of people, there will still be those who will try to downgrade him and /or will try to ruin him.
Also he must be prepared to work extra hard not only as Governor, but as part of the Philippines’ political system. I believe we are aware that it is a very dirty system. But if Among Ed succeeds in not being a toy of the system, in that sense, I believe he will deliver. Congratulations to you, Governor!
~Jowie Garcia, Kadaya 2005A

When I heard that Among Ed won, I was not really jumping off my seat (Naks! Simon Cowell! Haha!). Ali ku balu kung bakit, though, anyang bilangan pa, I really wanted him to win. When, they announced that he won nga (thanks to GMA 7’s 24 Oras), I just heard myself say, “Sige nga, tingnan natin kung anong magagawa niya”. I am not being a pessimist or whatsoever. I think, lumabas lang ung pagiging politically-uninterested ko. Hehe. Well, I guess that is a part of my life’s pie graph to develop through time. Siguro nga, Pampanga has won upon Among Ed’s claim to his seat of power. Sana pin he would call all the Kapampangans to sit beside him.
~Kevin Peñalba, Langgotsi 2006B

If you wish to add your own personal thoughts here, just share thoughts at the comments section.