Panlilio, Guiao agree to discuss tiff in dialogue with the people, media

By George Trillo

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga — Gov. Ed T. Panlilio and Vice Gov. Josseler "Yeng" Guiao have agreed to discuss their differences at a dialogue to be witnessed by the media and the people.

Last Thursday, Panlilio invited his critics and detractors to an "open discussion" on alleged "loopholes" of his administration. "I am open to discuss all issues, including their allegations."

Guiao accepted the invitation of Panlilio but said he has conditions regarding the talk.
He said the dialogue must be held in public and, if possible, with media coverage.

"I want to make sure that the public will be witness to whatever we will discuss and agree on," the vice governor said.

He suggested topics to be discussed: the province’s budget, Panlilio’s performance and role of the provincial board in governance.

Panlilio accepted the conditions but recommended that a non-partisan third party mediate the dialogue.

"Someone should mediate the dialogue, maybe someone from civil society like Rotary or Kapampangan Coalition Incorporated," Panlilio said.

Panlilio said the person who would mediate the talk should be acceptable to both parties.

But Guiao said a "parameter" must be set so unnecessary topics would not be discussed.

The "word war" between the two top officials of the province erupted last week after Panlilio said his administration has experienced difficulties because the supplementary budget of his office was put on hold by the PB presided over by Guiao.

Guiao said the PB is busy working on more important things.

This, as supporters of Panlilio staged last week their own version of "people power" here as more than 2,000 of them held a rally in front of the capitol building to express their all-out support for the governor.

Called "Kongresu ning Mayap a Pamangubiernu at Respunsabling Pangamemalen" (Congress of Good Governance and Responsible Citizenship), the event started with a parade that began at the Cathedral of the Assumption in this city and ended at the capitol compound.

Organizations that attended the gathering included Buklud KabalenApalit, Aske-Candaba, Siwala-Masantol, Kasangga-San Fernando, Kasaup-Mexico, Bantay Bayan-Apalit, Among Ed Fans’ Club, Kasaup-Minalin and SulongFlorida.

Public school teachers, ordinary citizens, and members of various religious organizations also joined the rally.

Kasaup Inc., a well-known civic organization supporting Panlilio, organized the event that aims to provide insights into responsible governance and responsible citizenship.
The congress featured talks and discussions by guest speakers Dr. Angelito Mangalili and Conrado Navarro of the Philippine Rural Reconstructive Movement, a 56-year-old government agency.

Mangalili said a good government is a government of the people and for the people.
He added a good leader is someone who is humble enough to interact with his people, especially the poor and the sick.

Navarro said a responsible citizen knows his duties related to nation building.