GO drops Pangilinan out of senatorial ticket

By Ronron
February 28, 2007

The Genuine Opposition (GO) on Wednesday formally dropped independent senatorial candidate Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan from its ticket after the latter continues to snub the party, even its proclamation rally last Saturday in Quiapo, Manila City.

“It has been decided that henceforth, GO will no longer campaign for Senator Kiko Pangilinan… This decision is made to finally resolve this matter and to enable GO and the media to focus on the real and legitimate issues of this election that matter to the public,” said Atty. Adel Tamano, GO spokesman.

Tamano said GO still has to assess whether or not a replacement for Pangilinan at the 12th spot will be made. “GO retains the option to fill up its final slot at a future date,” he said.

Sought for comment, Pangilinan expressed no ill feeling towards GO, saying the move, in fact, will only clarify his alliance with GO.

“We recognize, respect and accept that (decision). We understand the position of the Genuine Opposition because from the start, I have made it clear that I will be an independent candidate,” Pangilinan said in Filipino.

He echoed Tamano’s statement that removing him from the opposition slate will give him and GO the opportunity to focus on the issues that must be discussed with the public during the campaigns, instead of his confusing alliance with GO.

Asked how he will obtain a copy of the election return (ER) during the counting of votes to monitor the number of votes cast for him, Pangilinan said he will just have to rely on the local officials and the Liberal Party, who could provide him with photocopies of the ER.

Pangilinan maintained that he will still join the opposition in the future on matters or issues that they both agree.

“We can still work together on an issue-to-issue basis and come together and unite if that is what’s good for the country,” he said.

As a result of his removal from GO, Pangilinan’s name will automatically be erased from their posters and other campaign materials, including radio and television advertisements, Tamano said.

“We just wish him good luck in his campaign,” said former Senator Ernesto Maceda, a member of GO’s executive committee.

With Pangilinan’s removal, the remaining candidates of GO now are the following: 1) Loren Legarda; 2) Anna Dominique Coseteng; 3) Sonia Roco; 4) Manuel Villar; 5) Panfilo Lacson; 6) John Osmena; 7) Allan Peter Cayetano; 8) Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III; 9) Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III; 10) Lt. Sr. Grade Antonio Trillanes IV; and, 11) Francis Escudero./DMS