Politics in Cebu

It’s not surprising if Cebu politics is becoming a hot media item these days. Although elections are still more than a year away, talks of positioning and realignments are becoming frequent. Speculations are ripe as to where the last termers are heading for and what their chances are. Something of a guessing game too is going on as to what office the come-backing politicos will aim for. There are, of course, some who have assertively declared their targets even sans supporter’s consultations, but most are on wait-and-see stance like boat men trying to scan the political sky for signs of what the weather will be.

As they do this, Cebuano electors are also trying to figure out who will run for what post. To certain groups whose interest can be directly affected by a change of leadership every move of their political padrino is being watched and scrutinized. Is he interested to shift to this or that post? If he is, what are his chances? Who is his possible opponent? Is the latter “strong” enough? And so the guessing game goes on and the talks percolate.

To a Cebuano politics is always an interesting subject and a good conversation piece. Talk about yourself or about the weather and you’ll find bored listeners. But talk about politics and you’ll get keen ears. Are Cebuanos by nature politically inclined?

Having served as an education official in various part of the country, I have observed that people in these places generally look up to us Cebuanos as urbanized and “marunong,” fair-minded and religious. But they also say that politics is in our blood. “Grabe ang politica ninyo, it’s a year round affair.” In one province, the governor bluntly advised me: “If I were you, I would not seek transfer to Cebu. Politics will make your job there difficult.”

Some of these perceptions are actually exaggerated, but some have elements of truth. And with regard to politics one doesn’t have to look far for proofs. Right here in Cebu City proofs are aplenty. Look at the ongoing strife between the incumbent mayor and the city councilors. Look at how messy the budget process has become lately. And listen to the accusations and counter-accusations between the warring groups.

This scenario is nothing new, of course. For decades now this city has been the battleground of the most intense political in-fighting in the country. In the fifties the Cuencos and the Osmeñas wrestled it out for leadership. In the sixties the Duranos took over the fight and after Martial Law the Garcias entered the scene. Now. . . . . .

In the provincial level, however, the political tug-of-war has not been as heated as that in Cebu City. Changes of leadership there have been, but the key positions have not been the virtual monopoly of any one clan or family. Moreover, the officials in the executive and legislative departments in the past and present administrations have been working in fairly good coordination with each other. Internal squabbles have been minimal, if any, and the implementation of programs and projects has proceeded with less politically motivated obstructions. One proof of this is the well-paved roads throughout the province. Whether maintained nationally or locally, these are always in good condition. And look at the bridges – are they not in good shape and safely passable?

The contrast between the political systems in Cebu province and Cebu City provides an interesting case study on such system as an aspect of Philippine democracy. It shows that politics, despite its negative connotation, is actually not a deterrent to good governance. It is how politics is used that spells the difference.

For these whose motivation in joining politics is service the effect cannot be otherwise but high quality of governance characterized by probity, transparency and superior performance. But for those driven by selfish quest for gain and glory, their term of office is likely to be an occasion for shady transactions and malfeasances. And the people suffer.