AMONG ED CAMPAIGNER FROM USA

by Dean Vergara

I live here in the USA for 15 years now. But I follow closely the political development in the motherland. May I add, too, that I am a former seminarian from Nueva Caceres.I decided to write you this piece in reaction to Fr. Shay's article on Among Ed, "Penniless Priest for President". Fr. Shay expressed it well and effectively.

I will add that his lack of political baggage or in the absence of political patronage in his campaign is a fundamental factor that is unique to him to effectively get rid the country of graft and corruption.

It is sad to note, however, that some Catholic bishops are chiding Among Ed as a mere dreamer and asking him to get real as he has no war chest to wage a nationwide presidential campaign. But the reality is this:

Among Ed can command the support of more than 60% of the Catholic clergy to breakaway as a winner. He only needs the support of at least 60% of the clergy to wage a campaign as effectively as any moneyed presidentiable to end up ultimately a winner. The Catholic clergy is found in every town or parish and in every barangay there is a Centro Catolico who is more credible than any barangay chairman.

The reality is that the access of Catholic Church is more extensive than any political party in the Philippines. The Catholic hierachy, however it deflects the issue of being apolitical, has no alternative but carry out its moral authority to speak for, guide and mobilize the faithful to vote for the right candidate. The right candidate points to the direction of Among Ed campaign.

In my job as a Supervisor, I am gaining ground from Pinoys here to convince their remittance beneficiaries in the Philippines to vote for Governor Ed PANLILIO.
Dean Vergara