“We support PGMA,” say the streamers hanged across the streets here manifesting unfaltering support to the national leadership while opposition political leaders clamor for her resignation.

Governor Auring E. Cerilles, a stalwart Arroyo ally has called upon the  people’s calmness and sobriety as she enjoined Zambosurians to seek for God’s sovereign guidance in discerning the issues affecting both the economic and political stability of the country.

In fact, she issued a Memorandum to all local chief executives in Zamboanga del Sur to hold either a prayer rally or an ecumenical service on February 29 for peace and solidarity of the nation which they responded positively.

In Pagadian at 3:00 pm, about 3,000 people regardless of religious affiliations converged at the Plaza Luz (city plaza) led by City Mayor Sammy Co along with provincial government officials, religious leaders both Christians and Muslims.

Although Governor Cerilles is still in Manila joining the league of governors rallying behind the President, lady Board Member Felicidad Funtanilla read her prepared message for the occasion.

“In our relentless struggle for progress and the institution of peace and solidarity, we cannot allow the ZTE scandal to hamper our journey forward and again put our country in jeopardy,” the Governor’s message.

Further it stated: “together, let us call upon the Divine mercy and intervention.  Let the truth triumph through the courts and legal means instead of mere allegations based on negative propaganda or political show off,” the lady governor states referring to investigation of the alleged anomalous ZTE deal of the national government.

In a previous media interview, Governor Cerilles gave her impression on Lozada as a “great actor”.  “He should be in the movies,  his crying prowess convinced the La Salle Brothers and nuns to believe his lies,” she quipped.

Likewise, she lamented how the issue is being magnified by the opposition leaders at the expense of the majority which hamper the economic growth of the country.

Mayor Co, during the ecumenical service explained his support to the President.  He said in gratitude to what she has done to Pagadian, especially on her political will in implementing the long overdue realization of regional transfer to this city.

Should the President gets unseated, Co expressed fear that formidable  projects in the city like airport, roads and even funds for the regional transfer would be diverted and won’t no longer given to his city.

Liga ng mga Barangay President Ricardo Alajeño was also given time to speak bringing the voice of the 53 other barangay captains in the city.  He criticized ZTE deal star witness Rodolfo Lozada for linking the President in the scandal, when he, for one claimed to be a consultant of the National Broadband Network project who might have a hand in the overpricing. 

Alajeño considered Lozada as among the greedy consultants - that  being a whistle blower of the scandal only showed his part of the kickback but is grumbling because he was dissatisfied with his share.

Muslim and church leaders prayed over for peace and solidarity among the Filipinos that this political mess be settled soon with the Divine intervention.

In the municipalities, like Dumingag, Mayor Nacianceno Pacalioga, Jr. reported that at 5 in the morning yesterday they had a prayer rally with at least 2,000 constituents attended.  Catholic priest and pastors from the United Church of Christ, Bible Baptist, Assemblies of God and other Christian churches said their respective  prayers for peace and solidarity.

Bayog, too had a prayer rally, according to Mayor Mary Ann Cartalla which she spearheaded in front of their municipal hall. Other towns like Josefina and Molave sponsored a mass at the Catholic church.  Josefina Mayor Maria Fe Pitogo told the press bureau that they heeded the Governor’s request for a province-wide undertaking in support to the administration.

Last update : 03-03-2008 11:58

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