Twelve local government leaders led by Pampaga Gov. Eddie Panlilio and Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca signed a covenant of good governance stressing the need to support the extension with reform of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program and to oppose any moves for Charter Change prior to the 2010 National Elections.

Both Panlilio and Padaca together with Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo are founding leaders of the national movement for good governance and ethical leadership, Kaya Natin! which now counts 12 former and current local government leaders among its ranks. Kaya Natin! was initially convened by the Ateneo School of Government.

Last Friday, the movement formally welcomed 4 incumbent Mayors, 1 incumbent Vice-Mayor and 2 former three-term mayors to its fold. Among the new Kaya Natin! Champions of Good Governance are Mayor Roque Verzosa Jr. of Tagudin, Ilocos Sur, Mayor Fermin Mabulo of San Fernando, Camarines Sur , Mayor Florante Gerdan of Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya , Mayor Marivic Belena of San Jose City, Nueva Ecija , Vice-Mayor Valente Yap of Bindoy, Negros Oriental, former Mayor Gloria Congco of Cabiao, Nueva Ecija and former Mayor Mary Jane Ortega of San Fernando City, La Union. The movement also counts Gov. Teddy Baguilat, Jr. of Ifugao and Mayor Sonia Lorenzo of San Isidro, Nueva Ecija among its leaders.

During the short induction ceremonies held at the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, the Kaya Natin! leaders pledged to work towards convincing members of the House of Representatives and the Senate to immediately ratify the proposed CARP Extension with Reform (CARPER) Bill. According to Panlilio, the passing of the CARPER would provide farmers the opportunity to own their land and at the same time help them move out of poverty. Robredo for his part appealed to members of Congress saying that instead of focusing on pushing for Charter Change, they should focus on creating laws that would help stimulate the economy and provide employment to millions of Filipinos. “Surveys have consistently shown that majority of Filipinos do not want Charter Change now, as duly-elected representatives, our Congressmen should listen to their constituents and stop pushing for their own personal interests” added Robredo. Aside from these two main issues, the movement also pledged to practice transparency and social accountability in their respective local government units.