WE, the elder generation in the Philippines and abroad, are very much aware of the history of, and politics involved in, the on and off war between Israel and Palestine in particular and the Christian-Jews-Muslim conflict in general.

We, the peace-loving Filipino readers, are grateful for the unbiased rendition of the abovementioned conflict by the Philippine Daily Inquirer in its editorial, “Ghastly Gaza.”

We are however concerned over some of PDI columnists’ incendiary polemics and maledictions like the Mr. Neal H. Cruz’s “Abraham and Moses to Blame for the Conflict in Ghaza” and the oft-quoted “Only a dead Moro is a good Moro” by your other columnist.

Polemicizations and maledictions time and time again are always counterproductive, then (starting with the first major Christian-Muslim conflict in 636 AD, to the First Crusade authorized by Pope Urban, to the Ottoman Turks war with Europe and the Balkans, to the Europe’s Reformation era) especially at this point in our modern times.

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WE, the founding members and leaders of Kaya Natin! a national movement that promotes good governance and ethical leadership, condemn in the strongest possible terms the unlawful and inappropriate actions of rallyists and policemen of the province of Pampanga towards the Office of the Governor last January 5, 2009. We believe that such behavior not only disrespects their governor, the Hon. Eddie Panlilio, and the people of Pampanga, but also unnecessarily endangers the lives of many innocent people.

We are saddened and very disappointed in these turn of events, as the people responsible for upholding the law did nothing while the duly constituted authorities of the province were unjustly threatened. This inaction betrays the partisan manner by which laws are enforced in the locality and contrary to the precepts of good governance.

We support Governor Panlilio in his call to correct the injustice done. While we recognize the freedom of everyone to peaceably express their views, it must be within the bounds of decency and the rule of law. We appeal to the rallyists not to take the law in their hands and accord due respect to the elected leaders of Pampanga. We appeal to the Sanggunian Panlalawigan to set aside partisan considerations and protect the institutions of government in the province. We appeal to the Pampanga Provincial Command to just simply do their duty and enforce the law. The task of policing should be beyond political considerations.

We also support Gov. Panlilio in his petition to the DILG Secretary, the Chief PNP, and the NAPOLCOM for the relief of Col. Singian, Col. Medina, and their men. They have miserably failed in their responsibility in performing their duties, which endangered the lives of a number of people, including the Governor himself.

Finally, we also appeal to the people of Pampanga to protect the gains of the recent past, advocate good governance, and support Gov. Panlilio in his campaign for accountability and transparency in Pampanga. The Kapampangans deserve more from their public servants than what has been shown in the last few months. The future of Pampanga is in your hands. The kind of Pampanga we will have, is the kind of Pampanga you will make

(Sgd.) Hon. Jesse Robredo
Mayor, Naga City

(Sgd.) Hon. Sonia Lorenzo
Mayor, San Isidro, Nueva Ecija

I quote what Nasser Pangandam Sr. said: “They should be sensitive to the feelings of others, the past few days have been very painful for us.” Look who is talking. Was he sensitive to the feelings of de la Paz and family when his son and his son’s bodyguards mauled Mr. de la Paz and his 14-year-old son despite of the pleadings of the 14 year old teen? Mr. Pangandaman is talking as if his son and his son’s bodyguards were the ones mauled by Mr. de la Paz and his 14-year-old son…tell that to the marines. The best thing you can do and your son is to resign as a secretary and your hot headed son as Mayor. If your son can do that in a prestigious club, then for sure in his town where he is a mayor he must be acting as if he is the god. All the readers’ guess is as good as mine.

Bayani Magtanggol, Riyadh, via e-mail

Talk economics, not politics. So goes the newest “phrase” for GMA and her apologists to parry critic’s concerns of a possible term extension with the recent revival of the efforts to amend the Charter, or should I say, rape the Constitution? Anyway, what bothers me is why can’t GMA just give an unequivocal statement to dispel all these innuendoes? Unless, of course, she has other things in her mind – and I’m not thinking purely economics. On the other hand, the President has lost her credibility long ago. We can’t just trust her words. Remember how she said sorry for something she didn’t think was wrong? And, of course, who could forget her widely applauded avowal that she “will not run again?” While the whole world reels from an economic crisis, Malacanang is struggling, to the very end, with a credibility crisis.

Jun Calaycay, Manggahan, Pasig City, via e-mail