Gov. Ed Panlilio for President?

The next presidential election is more than a year from today but several people already announced their plans to run for the highest position in the country. Vice President Noli de Castro, Senators Ping Lacson, Loren Legarda, Manny Villar, Mar Roxas, Chiz Escudero, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando, Defense Sec Gilberto Teodoro Jr and even former President Joseph Estrada are among the names that come into my mind when talking about the next national election.

Recently, another name was added to the list of "presidentiables". Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio announced that he might run for president in 2010. Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca would be the running mate of the Catholic priest-on-leave.

Governor Panlilio received a lot of support from several people, after he was able to make changes in Pampanga. Even if a lot of local politicians from Pampanga hate the Governor and even planned to oust him, citing that the people lost trust in him. Amidst this all, Ed Panlilio was able to do his duty as the Governor of Pampanga.

Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales of the archdiocese of Manila has said he "would never endorse any priest who would eye for public office for the 2010 elections." Archbishop Rosales didn't want to comment, saying that he doesn't want to interfere with politics.

Other presidential candidates, including the Malacanang, welcomed the decision of Gov Panlilio.

With the growing number of possible candidates in the upcoming election, Filipinos can choose the next rightful leader of the country. I just hoped that the computerized-election will push through to minimize the possible election fraud. With this names, I pray that each Filipino will look at each candidate and think for their future before casting their votes. The next president should bring a clean government.