I have been a staunch supporter of Governor Ed Panlilio since he declared his bid to run in Pampanga. I’ve always taken his side when I’d have discussions and debates with my friends. But after reading today’s paper, I draw the line. He presented himself as a possible 2010 candidate in an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer and that’s when I knew that he’s finally “bitten the apple”. The good priest-turned governor has finally succumbed to one of the most subtle and deceiving deadly sins – Pride.
Deadly Sin – Pride
Governor Ed, you are not the messiah of the Philippines. You have no training whatsoever as an economist, politician, diplomat, armed forces chief, or any of the skills needed to lead a country. What you are right now is a moral force that inspires and reminds people that we do need reforms and that we need to take a stand against corruption. If you believe that you are “the ONE” and that you will be responsible for turning this country around, then listen harder to that voice in your conscience because it might be just pride and ego. If ever you do run, you’re not relying on yourself to win on 2010, but rather on the institution and reputation of the Church.
What about Pampanga?
If you really want to stay in politics, why not focus on Pampanga first? Implement more reforms and policies that will enable your province to soar. Come up with programs that will generate employment, business, and tourism. Show the world that you are indeed a good leader and local government official. Prove your worth first before you set your sights on a higher position. And don’t just talk about the Quarry issue. Everyone knew the problem there, you were the one who just acted on it. If you will anchor everything on that one achievement, then I don’t think it will be enough for you to become President.
As one of my bosses in work used to tell me – if there is one thing you cannot argue against, it is SUCCESS. Show them the numbers. Show them results. Show them that you can deliver and that you get the job done as a Governor. And show them that you can do it CONSISTENTLY.
You’ve made so many enemies at the local level and you haven’t resolved most of them yet. What more if you’re the Chief Executive of the country? Your enemies will multiply by the thousands and your allies will dwindle to the hundreds. Do you have enough experience in the political arena to withstand that kind of pressure?
There are so many problems that will arise once you take on the Presidency. I’m sure most of the problems that you’ll encounter will be firsts for you because of your lack of experience. Can you really lead this country with your current skill set? Can you really bring us out of debt instead of plunging us even deeper into economic turmoil? If your answer here is a big yes, then prove it with Pampanga!
Taking Advantage of God and the Priesthood
Is God really working through you? Or are you working God? Are you using the mantle of the Priesthood as a campaign gimmick to bolster your numbers to make up for the lack of experience? By simply being a priest, you have the natural trust of the people. I mean, who else to better endorse a candidate and increase his/her chances of winning than God Himself? By entering into politics as a Priest, you are taking advantage of that innate trust and “holy credibility” that comes with the title of “Father”.
In your interview, you said that you wanted more to become part of a movement that will look for a “Reform Candidate”. Maybe this is your true calling and not to actually become THAT candidate.
Pray, and PRAY HARD
Governor Panlilio, please pray, and pray hard for discernment and wisdom. Go on a 3-day silent retreat or something. Study the word and communicate with God so that when you do make your decision, you know that is is really God’s will and not your pride or your ego talking.
If you will really run in 2010, then do it the right way. Leave the priesthood for good and concentrate on your career as a politician. Stop using the Priesthood as a trump card in elections and focus on your achievements as a Governor.
This will probably be your greatest temptation yet. It’s not in the form of a seductive woman, money, influence, power, or even greed. It’s the temptation that a lot of priests and pastors fall to – the temptation of believing that you are the next Jesus.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Wauks,
The Catholic Church is the largest single political party in the country. It has been that since it was deposed at the end of the Spanish Theocracy. I would like it to be more involved in the world, and not less, because it is also the most powerful NGO in the land, yet they are confused about what they really ought to be doing in this life because they think their main role is to get us all into the next life.
As I see it, the best way to reform the Catholic Church is to force it back into the world and not out of it. Right now they can afford to be mere kibitzers, “moral guardians” without any real stake in the consequences of their advice and dogmas, because they have no real responsibility for what happens in the country.
Let them render unto Caesar what they used to take for themselves.
Why do you need to reform the Catholic Church? Are you God? or are you even part of The Church that Christ Founded?
I prefer Governor Panlillo for President and Gov. Padaca for vice president over the following:
1. The guy in white attire, white shoes with a red coat and ribbon. (The ribbon can spin like a propeller). WTF is he suppose to be? El Shaddai is written on the stage. He gives me the creaps.
2. JIL movement. If it looks like a duck, and sounds like a duck, then it is without doubt a duck. Looks like it? Smells like it? Then you taste it, let me immigrate first to Spain. I don’t want to be around when you do that. Also creapy.
3. Traditional Politicians. I just hate them. Absolute creaps all week.
We know why the governor made so many enemies, just look at a native of Pampangga named Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
They’ll just do away with him a few months in office.
@Danilo: I’m also against pastors or any other religious figures running for office. As for traditional politicians, yes there are a lot of them out there. However, we see new blood being infused in the system every elections and I’m looking to them to make that difference.
@DJB: The church does not need to enter politics to make a difference in this country. What they should do is to take their job as a “church” seriously. They should focus more on making the basic unit of society more righteous and secure. They should have programs that teach and reach out to fathers and mothers on how to raise their children. This country desperately needs more values instilled in the succeeding generations.
Personally I believe the mission of the church is different from the mission of the government. You need both doing their own thing because it acts like a check-and-balance in some way.
But who has no Pride?
RP will be no different after 2010 if DE CASTRO, ESCUDERO, VILLAR, ESTRADA. All of them has every reason to be proud about and take pride over their popularity, money and political machinery to which they will serve as slaves once elected at the expense of the people.
Ed’s only pride, I guess, are his efforts in Pampanga and the support of the people around him.
Let us watch how he pulls people towards his cause and see Filipinos contributing every penny they have for his candidacy breaking the tradition of candidates giving money to get voter’s support.
I’d like to see that.
Mrs Cory Aquino was someone like Ed Panlilio in February 1986.
While Panlilio may have taken a tiny bite of the forbidden fruit,Mrs Aquino as President ate the whole apple (or banana)! And thus we know of the fates of the late Doy Laurel!
Father Panlilio may have to reflect on the traditional readings for Lent like that when Christ was brought to the Pinnacle of the Temple. The Devil offered him all that the world has and its power. Christ renounced all of these.
But Panlilio isn’t near who Jesus the Anointed One is. If he renounces his Holy Orders, and it is really God’s call, then AMEN! He and other lapsed Catholics like me have Saint Thomas More to seek intercession for. Politicians will have to dance with the Devil as they say. It will be Panlilio’s personal trip to the Pinnacle of the Temple (which I believe is somewhere near the Pasig in San Miguel district). Catholics are in good stead for we have More to pray for intercession.
Maybe this priest is what the Filipinos really need to lead this country…someone who is inexperienced in politics…AND INEXPERIENCED IN CORRUPTION AS WELL.
Panlilio and Padaca….I believe these people represents the new breed in politics.
Its time we vote for something new…someone new…yung someone na hindi anak ng politiko, hindi kamag-anak ng politiko, at hindi pa nasasapian ng espritu ng corruption….
Di na kelangan i-analays pa ng malaliman…di na kelangan ihambing sa diyos si panlilio..
GANITO LANG KASIMPLE:
SINO SA KANILANG LAHAT ANG WALA PANG BAHID NG PAGKAKURAKOT SA POLITIKA?????
This article sucks.. that’s for sure. For sure this guy doesn’t know anything about morality that he is more concerned on making enemies on the national level. Gov. Panlilio is one of the “few good men” in politics and he knows how he can get rid of the corruption that has been plaguing this country for several years. You see corruption can be eradicated on the national level, not on the provincial level. Then everything else will follow. I don’t mind having a clean govt with 0%GNP growth than have a high GNP growth without ever seeing where that money goes to.
@Brian Jay:
That’s the problem my friend. The support and trust of people in Gov. Panlilo is not based on his merits as a politician. It’s based on the fact that he is a priest which for me is really wrong. His “pride” is him being a Priest.
Running a country is not an easy feat. People tend to trivialize how hard it is being a government official.
If I had the time and the resources, I’d actually go all the way up to Pampanga to check out what he’s done (other than the quarry thing) to see if he’s really done a good job as Governor.
Let’s base 2010 not just on character. We also have to find a leader who is competent and has a solid platform. Note that the recession is deemed to only get worse in the coming years which makes 2010 a very critical year for the Philippines.
@Juwan_D
Corruption is a big issue but it is not the only problem in this country. We have so many things to work on and I strongly believe that Gov. Ed is not up to the task of steering this country out of an impending economic crisis.
Yes, you may find someone who can deal partly with corruption but he may end up clueless when it comes to fiscal reform, foreign relations, and the peace & order situation in Mindanao.
@jograd
Sorry if you find the article offensive, bro. I just had to speak my mind on the issue. People have different opinons and I’m just voicing mine out. That’s the beauty with democracy – people agree to disagree.
I stand my ground that Gov Ed is not ready for the Presidency in 2010 and if he does want to continue his career in Politics, then he should leave the Priesthood for good.
Gloria, utilizing the whole government machinery, and with the local henchman Bong Penida, is a formidable enemy.
Governor Panlilio must hurdle that obstacle first and make something out of the province of Pampanga to show his mettle as an administrator worthy to be president of the Philippines.
Governor Panlilio must show us he can conquer Mount Pinatubo first before we can have the confidence and trust to have him conquer Mount Everest.
@Bert: That’s precisely my point bro. I would have no problem with fully throwing my support behind Gov Ed if he proves his worth first with Pampanga. I’m really curious now with his performance. I’ll try to do some research. Damn it, if only I didn’t have work, hahaha. xD I’ll make a few calls and try to schedule something this week. This is a topic I find very interesting and worth pursuing.
Update: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/03/23/09/panlilio-id-rather-return-priesthood
If Panlilio really wants to run, then there’s no one stopping him from running–in the future. If he feels he can lead this country then he has to prove it with time. Make Pampanga so successful that no one can argue he can lead the country.
The mistake a lot of good men take in this country is running for the top too early, and then failing to make the grade. With that goes the opportunity to inspire others and make this a better country.
There’s so much at stake. Panlilio has to invest in time, educate himself with experience. Politics is not just a dirty, muddy arena, but what many forget is it is a global arena too. Equipping oneself to face that with excellence, along with all the other issues, and steer this country back to greatness takes much more than a morally-sound spirit. That sucks, but it’s true.
whoaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
ang lupit nyo talaga mga pinoy!!!!!!
SO SINO NGA BA SA MGA KANDIDATO NYO ANG NAKAPROVE NA NG WORTH NILA BILANG ISANG POLITIKO???? ANO BA NAGAWA NG MGA LINTEK NA MGA POLITIKONG PINAGSASABI NYO SA BANSA NATIN AT SA MAMAYANG PILIPINO???? ANO BA ANG NAGPROVE NILA??? NAPROVE NILA NA WALA SILANG ALAM GAWIN KUNDI PAIKUTIN ANG BATAS AT PAIKUTIN ANG ULO NG MGA PILIPINO AT KURAKUTIN ANG PERA NG BAYAN…YAN ANG NAPROVE NILA!!!!
ANONG PINAGSASABI NYO NA MAGPROVE MUNA SI PANLILIO SA PAGIGING POLITIKO NYA????
MGA MAGAGALING!!!!!! ETO NA NGA AT MERON NG ISANG CHOICE NA NAIBA SA MGA KINAKAIN NINYO MGA TAE SA TINAGAL TAGAL NA PANAHON…TAPOS SASABIHIN NYO MAGPROVE MUNA SYA SA PAMPANGA????
MGA BOBOOOO!!!!!!! MAGA TULAD NINYO MGA WALANG HUMPAY NA KAGAGOHAN ANG DAHILAN KUNG BAKIT BULOK PA DIN ANG PILIPINAS!!!!
ANONG PROVE PROVE PINAGSASABI NYO JAN….!!!!
Carlo Ople,
kamag-anak mo ba ang yumaong sen ople?
sino naman ang masasabi mong pwedeng pwedeng maging presdente natin????
sige nga magbanggit ka nga…magbanggit ka ngayon din!!!!
Bert,
so chiz escudero na lang ang iboto natin? bwahahahahahahahahahaha
pero, Juwan, bakit mo naman nasabi na nai-ibang choice si Father? anong rason mo, aber?
o, Juwan, natulala ka sa tanong, ano?
Bert,
akala ko pa naman matalino ka dahil lagi mo pinamamalas kunyari ang katalinuhan mo dito…pero sa tanong mo, para bang di mo alam ang obyus bwihihihihihihihhi
eto ang naiba:
kelan pumasok sa politika si Panlilio? at kelan pumasok sa politika yung mga idol ninyo ngayon na tatakbong presidente? siguro naman di ko na kelangan sabihin no?
iconsider natin ang haba ng panahon na si panlilio nasa politka at yung mga idol nyo na nasa politka at iconsider natin ang posibilidad na nakulimbat nilang pera ng bayan sa panahon na sila ang nanunungkulan??? siguro naman alam mo na din ang sagot dun no?
ah syempre..di ka sang-ayon sa sinabi ko bwahahahahahahahahahaha
teka..bakt nga ba ako natulala sa tanong mo? dahil tanong ng matalino yun? hahahahahaha
pero bert…sige lang..iboto mo si chiz escudero..para sa maayos na kinabukasan ng mga anak mo…
hehehehehe
Chiz? Chiz-wiz!
Puro papogi naman si Senador Chiz.
I dunno ha, despite his being young I don’t think he really represents the youth as Raul Roco or Miriam(in her early, idealistic years)do.
He is all complain.
He took the opposition seriously that I don’t remember any good measure he initiated. All I do remember are his silly and senseless political ads.
Papogi lng in the levels of Revilla and Lapid. In his case, matinee idol.
He may be full of promise but no major accomplishment. Please cite Chiz’s achievements that affected you. Maybe I just missed out coz I don’t remember any.
full of promise…this is the very exact way to describe our existing politicians and their fathers or mothers…FULL OF PROMISE…PURO PROMISE WALA NAMAN NATUTUPAD SA MGA PROMISE BWAHAHAHAHAHHA
Bert…SAY CHIZZZZZ..FOR THE FUTURE BWAHAHAHAH
“The good priest-turned governor has finally succumbed to one of the most subtle and deceiving deadly sins – Pride.”
oh. you can read inner motivations?
We know what are in the closets of some of the presidentiables (e.g. how they handle media-consultants who write against them; where they get money; how they will approach Mindanao and thuggery by MILF-”lost-commands” kuno).
“Surprise me!!!” is a risky way to deal with a presidential candidate, isn’t it?
Offhand, that priest will not win as president, his chance of winning in a scale of 1 to 10 is pegged at 4.
Anybody can run for President for 2010.
We want real people for our choices. No boneheads,
no swindlers, no political opportunists, etc.
We just want a leader who truly lead, good
records and qualifications, sincere in serving
us and the country, and makatao. Integrity will
be a primary factor.
Otherwise, I will register my Carabao as candidate.
Chiz is a product that sold – from House to Senate.
But from Senate to the Palace – forget it!
Packaging has been the name of the game and the higher they go, the deeper the void has become.
What good governance are we talking about?
Wauks,
There are much, much more serious threats to the Philippine political landscape than an old priest. Whether or not he wins or loses or decides to run.
Are you merely implying to leave the politics of the Philippines to the political caste that you belong to, the same caste that has bastardized, molested, and raped the Republic?
Give me a break.
personally, i’d like Panlilio to run for President but I also know that to really bring about an agenda requires the backing of Congress. You can’t have a President who can’t get his plan across. And if you change the top ticket— will those below him follow?
What happens should he win? Will it be a constant battle with Congress to get any sort of measure passed? He will be met with resistance at every turn, opposing his agenda, sabotaging his political plans. We all know how it goes at Batasan, correct? In the end, without support in Congress, what hope does any reform agenda have?
It goes the same for every Reformist who intends to run.
cocoy,
if panlilio will win , it means he is TRULY voted by the people of this country.
Congress can only follow. But If it will sabotage, that’s nothing new regardless of who will become the president. They have been sabotaging this country for a long time. It cannot independently decide anyway ? so what’s new.
For the class of 1991:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AOVf9p9ht4&feature=related
And for the no class at all:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJ_BKpQ-4ZM
This one needs to go back to her school.. and ask for a refund..remember this?:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zG1clvQaJIQ&feature=related
Ones thing is for sure and that is times change, people change and power corrupts absolutely. Life is no longer about death and taxes alone, we got traffic, spam messages, toxic ass-ets for co-workers, war, famine, calamities, global warming, …Lito Lapid (smart enough to STFD and STFU in the senate).
I like Pampangga, I got friends there, the food is awesome but…
Should the water there be tested or something?
Power corrupts absolutely. This individual just got lucky and rode it to the top, you got to hand it to him. Hunger from an impoverished past affects the mind..absolutely.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBTTYTwbxOs
Want more? Try this next one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zG1clvQaJIQ&feature=related
Are they civilized? If educated, should they go back to school and ask for a refund?
Hmmm…you say gov. panlilio has no training whatsoever in the so-called needed skills to run a country? Well first, what are the requirements “by law” to run for president? as i recall, 1. be able to read and write, 2. natural born filipino, 3. and an age requirement. Second: you say that being an economist, politician, or diplomat makes a desirable candidate for the presidcency? Ok, how about erap? or even FPJ who almost won, and cory? Third: our counrty needs CHANGE, how did the obama campaign succeed? not because he’s a lawyer or a politician, but because he offered HOPE that the country can be saved. Gov. panlilio may have stumbled on his current politcal career and even be guilty of the sin called pride, but he was a priest, and not a saint. Morality is the number 1 problem in our political system today, theres is no more “right or wrong”…theres only a matter of “how can i get away with it” mentality. Gov. Panlilio may have created more enemies than friends as you suggested but maybe because he’s refusing to conform to the standard practice of corruption in pampanga (remember: xmas bonuses given out by GMA in malacanang via paper bags to congressmen, governors, Gov. panlilio was one of the first to expose this issue). I know Gov. Panlilio has a slim chance of winning the presidency(funds) if he ran, but if he did, Gov. Panlilio can reform the philippines by leading with what is really important, giving importance on fellow-men and not by just thinking of yourself.