Interfaith Groups Launch Support for Panlilio

MANILA, July 22, 2009-Followers of the Presidential candidate Governor Ed Panlilio has affirmed support through formal launching of the Kilos Na! Movement last July 18, 2009 at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Auditorium in Quezon City.

Kilos Na! seeks to support candidates who focus wholeheartedly their plans and actions to the best interest of the greater majority.

The movement, composed of concerned people from various sectors of the Philippine society, continues to believe that democracy is at work and the government can serve the people as it should.

The group is mobilizing empowered, developed and hopeful electorates to participate and collaborate with the leaders in transforming the political culture from a patronage to a principled one.

Ifugao Governor Teddy Banguilat, convener of the Kilos Na! Movement, said that a good and ethical government is probable today.

"We believe that good governance, ethical leadership and effective public services are possible in here and now," he said.

He then added that the plan of Panlilio to leave the priesthood is an indication that he is pursuing his candidacy.

Banguilat also said that Panlilio is inspired to pursue another vocation which is public service.

On his part, Panlilio has also highlighted that several sector groups are supporting his candidacy through the alliance.

"I have groups who are supporting me for the presidential bid and they are coming from different sectors as evidence by the launching of the Kilos Na! last Saturday," he stressed.

He also dared his supporters during the launch to be prepared for the battle that they are to face.

"I challenged the people who are present there. I believed they are now in the process of spreading their advocacy towards the different parts of the country," Panlilio said.

Panlilio has confirmed his readiness for the forthcoming national elections.

"I have the intention to file my candidacy on or before November 30 and I am ready to take all the consequences including dispensation from priesthood," he emphasized.

Meanwhile, ecumenical Bishop Juan Pring of the One Vote Movement, a multi-sectoral group that aims for good governance and ethical leadership, and Fr. Hector Suano, a Catholic sector priest, has also expressed their support for the candidacy of Panlilio.

Attendees of the launching were urban poor groups, non-government organizations, youth groups, ex-seminarians and some of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). (Kate Laceda)