“Among Ed” Palilio joins Liberal Party

QUEZON CITY — Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio Thursday morning took his oath as a member of the Liberal Party, further triggering whispers among Kapampangans that he will seek reelection in Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’ s home province. While the governor has not yet decided his next steps after his term ends next year, he joined the political party of Senator Noynoy Aquino as a matter of ensuring that the good governance practices he started in 2007 will continue no matter who the LP candidate is.

According to Among Ed, the ruling party in Pampanga holds much power. Joining a stable force in the form of LP can provide the machinery and organized support system needed to win the elections. In 2007, Panlilio ran as an independent, and won by only a slim margin. His campaign relied heavily on volunteerism and donations. Having a political party backing him will ensure a smoother campaign for a candidate that will continue the reforms started by Panlilio.

However, Panlilio also says that he will still run for governor next year, if and when the civil society groups that are looking for alternative reform candidates approach him again.

“I will let the people of Pampanga decide who is best fit to run for governor,” he insisted.

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