DAGUPAN CITY , Philippines – Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas is willing to mediate in the rift between the embattled provincial police director and officials led by Gov. Amado Espino Jr. who are pressing for his ouster.
“Let us be channels of peace. There can be no peace without dialogue,†Villegas told The STAR amid the impasse between Espino, backed by the provincial board and majority of the mayors, and Senior Superintendent Marlou Chan.
“If they are willing to meet and talk and they need a venue and a facilitator, please consider me. There can be no progress without peace among government officials,†Villegas said.
Chan said he was moved by the archbishop’s willingness to be a go-between to end the dispute between him and provincial officials who want him out.
The other day, the regional trial court (RTC) in Lingayen heard Espino’s petition questioning Chan’s appointment and seeking a temporary restraining order.
Last Monday, the provincial board passed a resolution declaring Chan persona non grata.
Chan said he is set to talk to acting Gov. Jose Ferdinand Calimlim Jr. on Monday. Espino is in the United States for a break from the recent elections.
Judge Caridad Galvez of RTC Branch 69 in Lingayen suggested that Espino and Chan hold a dialogue to end their rift.
She said any decision would surely have a winner and loser, but this will not end their disagreements.
She said the elections are over and that she hopes that election-related issues filed in court be resolved.