By Cheryl A. Galili
DIFFICULT SITUATION: Palawan Gov. Reyes finds it difficult explaining where the PhP500,000.00 money given by LPP to governors Eddie Panlilio and Joselito Bautista of Bulacan came from. Opinion makers claim its a desperate move made by him to gain the Malampaya revenue shares the national government still refuse up to this day to give to the province.
TWO WEEKS following the controversial PhP500,000.00 that was given to Pampanga Governor Eddie Panlilio, the nation was surprised when Palawan Governor Joel T. Reyes, spokesperson of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) and vice president for the Governor’s League of the Philippines (GLP), said the money came from their fund.
In an interview over radio station DYPR, Gov. Reyes confirmed that the money given to Gov. Panlilio came from LLP.
In a purported meeting before the end of September, Gov. Reyes explained that the LL passed a resolution to set aside funds for the capability enhancement program of governors, particularly those who are newly elected in the position.
That meeting allegedly happened in Cebu which both Gov. Panlilio and Gov. Joselito Mendoza of Bulacan failed to attend.
“Iyong nangyari sa Malacañang na wala rin tayo sa bansa ay minabuti upon the discretion of Secretary General Gov. Benny Bardoni. Tumawag siya sa LPP na doon na ibigay sa kanila yong hindi pa naibibigay. Ito nga iyong first release para sa mga gobernador (What happened in Malacañang when were not here in the country was upon the discretion of Secretary General Gov. Benny Bardoni. He called LPP to say that what needs to be given them should be given instead in Malacañang. This is the first release for the governors),” he said.
Governor Reyes added that records of the LPP Secretariat revealed that they give financial assistance to elected governors even in the past administration.
He explained that they were not able to clarify the issue because he was on leave and was out of the country. He said he also went back to Palawan immediately after arriving to sign pending papers and communications for his birthday celebration on October 19.
The LPP tried to have an emergency meeting but he “took off” much better on a Monday because governors are busy during this day.
“Kaya nga siguro kung mapapansin ng ating mga kababayan walang naglalabas ng official statement na nanggaling sa LPP. Iito pong naglalabas ay individual statement ng kanya-kanyang mga gobernador pero kahapon lamang naglabas sa pahayagan at ito po ay sinundan natin bilang spokesman ng LPP (That is why if people will notice, nobody is coming out with any official statement from the LPP. These statements that are coming out are individual statements of the governors. Only yesterday did we come out with an official statement in the newspapers from LPP that I followed as spokesperson)),” he added.
Asked if the money has any connection with the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan election or the impeachment filed against President Arroyo by a congressman, Gov. Reyes said that what he is explaining is the side of the LPP.
“I can only authorize to speak for and in behalf of the governors. When it comes to the congressmen, I am sure they will have to answer that in the right and appropriate time,” he said.
In his statement to Palaweños, he said that what he announced in the public and was seen on television was from the League because he’s its spokesperson. If there are persons saying that the governor is “nagpapagamit” or allowing himself to be used for the sake of the Malampaya revenue share which is still in court, he said he doesn’t mind because it’s the Palaweños who will benefit.
