“Avoid fanning the fire of rabid partisanship that could lead to violence and other untoward incidents.”
Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr., in a press statement posted recently on the official facebook of the Province of Pangasinan, made this appeal to certain radio commentators from both opposing political camps who have warned each other in their recent programs of “possible reprisals including physical harm.”
The governor said that they may have been “incensed by fiery denunciations and licentious attacks” as they hurl charges and countercharges against each other daily over the airwaves on various issues in Pangasinan.
“As the governor of this province,” he said “I will do everything within my authority to prevent this from happening.”
He said further: “I resolve to keep Pangasinan one of the most peaceful provinces in the country, and will not allow trouble-makers to ruin our stability and new-found potential for growth that have propelled our province to a No. 1 position in the region, in governance, delivery of basic services, attaining a robust economy, reduction of poverty and now a leading destination for tourism and investments.”
The provincial chief executive said that he is aware of the danger posed by the fact that certain sectors of society, including news practitioners, “are being used to incite animosities that could erupt in violence and then put the blame on me and my administration.”
Stressing that he condemns violence, the governor who was a bemedalled military and police officer, recalled that he have seen enough of violence in his long years as an officer of the law, how it has destroyed lives, governments and leaders, deprived individuals, families and communities of a good life and future.
“I implore our friends in the media to refrain from stoking the fire of hatred and deepening animosities because of politics,” he said.
As a politician, the governor said that he have been “repeatedly vilified, slandered by outrageous charges, including murder that was only recently dismissed by the
Department of Justice, but I have kept the governorship over and above the fray of dirty politics, keeping my peace and that of my loved ones and supporters, patiently and peacefully letting justice take its course.”
He said that despite the anguish he and his family had suffered because of repeated lies and the fabricated accusations, he never lost track of his sworn duty to protect not only his followers, but always acted and functioned as a father to all Pangasinenses.
He concluded his statement with this appeal to the media: “Observe utmost professionalism by presenting the news with objectivity, truth and without malice, not allowing (yourselves) to become tools of selfish interests (by those) who want to ruin the unity and progress we have attained in the past years.”