BY CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
Former Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo yesterday urged newly elected leaders to give priority to education in order to move the country towards progress.
Panelo, who was guest of honor and speaker during the 124th Independence Day Celebration in Bacolod City yesterday, said that if there is really freedom, Filipinos should be free from ignorance and that everyone should be provided free education.
He said records of the Commission on Higher Education showed that only 12 percent of the poorest of the poor have finished and availed of free education.
We should be celebrating our independence…. But how can we say we are free when we have not freed ourselves from poverty, corruption, communism by the local rebels? He asked.
Panelo said it’s good we have a president like President Rodrigo Duterte who implements rules or laws no matter who will be affected.
All other accomplishments of previous Presidents are dwarfed by his achievements. He has reduced criminality to the barest minimum, destroyed illegal drugs, and is the only President who had removed seven generals from the police and military, he said.
Singapore President Lee Kwan Yew educated first the entire Singaporeans and their country is now an economic power. So, this is the first thing we should do, Panelo said.
“Let us free Filipinos from ignorance so we can rise along the path leading towards progress. But let us also remember the bravery and patriotism of our heroes,” he said.
Panelo also urged Filipinos to unite and to develop their love of country.
He said Leonardia, through the length of time he served as leader of Bacolod, has showed the people how to love their country.
“We should thank God for adding to our lives and for giving us someone like Mayor Bing who is selfless, who served with dedication, and most of all we should also be thankful for President Duterte,” Panelo said.
He ended his message with a song he composed for his lawyer son titled “You are the love of my life” and another song titled “Sana wala nang wakas.”
Meanwhile, in an interview Panelo said he has noticed that Bacolodnons are kind and karinyoso.
“I’d like to tell them they are very lucky that they have a mayor like Mayor Bing who is a role model and whose example is worthy of emulating. I admire his leadership. In the program earlier, he has been thanking the people for their cooperation that’s why so much has been achieved by his administration. But never did I hear him say that you have achieved all of these because I am your leader.”
Also present at the Independence Day Celebration were Councilors Cindy Rojas, Renecito Novero and Archie Baribar, councilor-elect Em Ang, Gay Marie Tiu who represented Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran and other candidates of Grupo Progreso.*
