It doesn't matter who blinked first

In this side of the political turbulence, many can recall Sonny Osmeña's "pagpuasa mo" blooper and his brother's "magbuot mo?" curt sneer. Or that one-liner attribution to Cebuanos as easily herded like sheep, viz: "Bisag unsaon, Osmeña lang gihapon". It's also a given that Mayor Tommy isn't gifted with fine choice of words to cut down his foes.

All these are in contrast to the humility, patience, and finesse of Don Sergio Osmeña. Historical annals are replete with sidelights and insights how the cool Don Sergio, the ultimate statesman, held his own with unruffled calmness against the aggressively outspoken personality of President Manuel L. Quezon, the epitome of leadership

Admittedly though, despite whatever adverse perceptions against some of Don Sergio's scions, the incontrovertible reality is that among Lapu-Lapu's progeny, the name Osmeña is still respected and lionized, as synonymous to public service.

What actually inspired this flashback has been the simmering clash between two strong personalities - Governor Gwen Garcia and Mayor Tommy Osmeña - over the now-scuttled land swap, involving Cebu City squatters - euphemistically called informal settlers - occupying Cebu Province lots. The repercussions complicating Hizzoner's miffed reaction to the Capitol "value-for-value" change of mind, has lately amused some observers, to the chagrin of the affected informal settlers, apprehensive of their ultimate fate.

At first jabbing at each other but obviously holding back their punches, it came to the point with City Hall subtly scuttling Capitol's "Ciudad" projects and, the latter hit back by closing a couple of province-owned by-ways and serving eviction notices to occupants of provincial lots, including the BBRC and the PNP camp.

Surprisingly, before all the proverbial die shall have been cast, as in no-holds barred, Tommy O unexpectedly blinked lately with his willingness "to kneel in front of the Governor… just to make the land-swap deal a reality". And, further blurted that he didn't want "to fight a woman". Significantly, he also intimated to preserve their political relations, including the oneness of Cebu, and possible moratorium on "Ciudad" ban.

While some expected the lady governor to pummel her relenting foe, she instead deftly held back her punches. Lately, the Capitol is veering from its previous plan of evicting all the provincial lot occupants. Instead, Gov. Gwen will deal with them on a direct case-to-case basis which is a soft approach, making it easier for Osmeña, nor for him "to get down on bended knees". And, like Tommy O, she would support each other in their political pursuits.

It's "manna from heaven", so Tommy O said, albeit still intimating "very creative" options. But to the wise or the discerning, the cunnier protagonist with balls appears to be very obvious. Regardless of such parting shots, not only the squatters have heaved a sigh of relief. Imagine how roilsome to the public caught in the crossfire between City Hall and Capitol should they engage in a conflict of attrition. Like what the followers of lesser gods and goddesses of mythical Mount Olympus got into even in minor quarrels, or when gigantic beasts of yore, or elephants and lions did their battle, the puny mortals and tiny animals got trampled silly.

In the wake of the land-swap imbroglio, both their legislative bodies were apprehensive. No less concerned are their partisans who would be sandwiched in-between. In the final reckoning, even the disinterested man on the street would somehow feel the pinch. Thus, for the sake of peace and smooth governance, it's a must that City Hall and Capitol iron out their differences with equanimity, sobriety, and statesmanship, not with verbal tit-for-tat. It doesn't matter who blinks first in eyeball-to-eyeball situations. What matters most is to let the mistakes or losses be learning lessons to profit from in humility and, for the right or the victor, if any, to be ungloating in magnanimity.

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