Iloilo officials close ranks behind GMA

By Ronilo L. Pamonag

Local officials here have expressed support for beleaguered President Arroyo, passing a manifesto of support a day after another Ilonggo official, Senate President Franklin Drilon called on the Chief Executive to step down.

“We, the national, city, provincial, municipal and barangay government officials of the City of Iloilo, have this day united for a common purpose, to express our full support for the presidency and governance of Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo,” the manifesto, dated July 9, 2005 stated. At least 146 officials signed in the manifesto. Department of Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez, his son, Iloilo City Representative Raul Gonzalez Jr., Iloilo City Mayor and League of Cities in the Philippines national president Jerry Treñas, Iloilo Vice Gov. Roberto Armada are among those who signed the statement of support. Municipal mayors, vice mayors, councilors, board members and village chiefs also affixed their signature.

During a gathering of Lakas members over the weekend, the justice secretary reiterated that he would be sticking it out with Mrs. Arroyo.

“I will be the last man standing…I am not the kind who leaves friends behind,” he said.

The manifesto states: “(t)he President is not perfect, as no other human being is perfect, and it is clear that the President's ‘lapse in judgment' was not a willful violation of the Constitution,” as it stressed that “NAMFREL and other international election observers have declared the 2004 elections as fair, honest, and peaceful.”

The President came under intense attack after admitting that she called an election official during the canvassing for the 2004 elections though she denied fixing votes to her favor.

“(t)he exhaustive democratic presidential electoral processes having been pursued and followed as demanded by the Constitution, it was eventually declared that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo posted an impressive plurality over the votes of the other candidates as tallied by the National Board of Canvassers,” the manifesto added.