MANILA, Philippines – More local officials nationwide have expressed support for President Arroyo’s capability to govern and steer the country to progress.
Governors, city mayors and congressmen also condemned the politically-motivated calls for the President to resign, labeling such calls as “unfair and unconstitutional.”
In a statement, La Union Gov. Manuel Ortega said the political crisis is being engineered by shrewd politicians aching to grab power before the 2010 presidential elections.
“There are also some sectors that have an ax to grind against the President, want to impose their biased will on the greater majority of the people by exploiting mere allegations on the national broadband network issue,” Ortega said.
Cagayan Gov. Alvaro Antonio and 20 mayors headed by Gattaran Mayor Ramon Nolasco have expressed support for Mrs. Arroyo.
Calbayog City Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento, chairman of the Regional Development Council in Eastern Visayas, said “Filipinos should not be swayed and deceived by the scripted plays of the opposition that consistently played villain to national development.”
In a statement, Mayor Allen Singson of Candon City, Ilocos Sur, said charges against the concerned officials implicated in anomalies should first be proven and not merely presumed.
Mayor Arlene Espinosa Zambo of Toledo City in Cebu said the present political turmoil is another baseless means to cause instability and anxiety among Filipinos.
“We stand firm in our belief that you are not involved in any of the allegations being made by your detractors. We believe in your vision and have full trust that your leadership will see us through any political and economic crisis,” said Mayor Jose Montelibano of Silay City in Negros Occidental.
Pagadian City Mayor Samuel Co said the call for the President’s resignation at this point in time is misplaced and uncalled for, since there is no definite finding on the involvement of the President in the alleged anomalous NBN deal with ZTE Corp. of China.
Arlene Arcillas Nazareno of Sta. Rosa City in Laguna said the sound economic management policies of Mrs. Arroyo had placed the Philippines in good position to weather an impending US recession.
Palawan Rep. Antonio Alvarez said he supports the sound economic policies of the President.
Pampanga Rep. Carmelo Lazatin and Batangas Rep. Eileen Ermita Buhain said they will support all the programs of the Arroyo government especially those aimed at promoting the delivery of basic services to the people.
Mindoro 1st District Rep. Rodolfo Valencia said any political turmoil would result in capital flight, de-motivation of the business sector, closing down of business industries, among others.