Proposed tripartite arbitrators to resolve the Capitol issue

The incoming governor and vice governor of Cebu may need a third party intervention to resolve their impasse. If they can rise above their pride and prejudice, it is the province that wins. I think they will.

If only to help solve the brewing impasse between outgoing governor Hilario P. Davide III and the incoming governor Gwendolyn F. Garcia on the issue of the construction of the Resource Center, I would strongly suggest that they convene a body of three arbitrators, composed of highly-respected statesmen whose integrity, probity, and wisdom are beyond doubt. I nominate former chief justice Hilario G. Davide Jr., former governor Pablo P. Garcia and Congressman Eduardo R. Gullas. These three need to meet and arrive at a common recommendation to the incoming Provincial Board. The decision of the board should be accepted by both parties.

Both parties should be open to at least three alternative solutions; the first option is to continue the project as proposed under a team to be appointed by the new governor, the second option is to completely abandon the project to give way to a new one conceptualized and designed by the new governor's team, and the third option is to continue with the project but deferred the implementation of the same with a new concept and a new design, decided by the new team, with input from the incoming vice governor. To me, the third option is a win-win solution. The current deadlock is brought about by pride, prejudice, and partisan and petty provincial politics. The parties should look at the bigger picture.

I proposed former chief justice Jun Davide because he is the only person who can persuade his son, Junjun, and he has a strong rapport with Noy Pabling. Way back in the ‘60s, Noy Pabling was the dean of SWU College of Law and Jun Davide was one of the faculty members. They are both gentlemen of the old school, warriors in the courtroom, but they fight with valor and dignity. I chose Noy Pabling Garcia because his words carry much weight to Governor Gwen. Noy Pabling is Gwen's first idol and Gwen is Noy Pabling's favorite child. He is very proud of his daughter. I chose my ninong, Congressman Eddie Gullas because he is the only one who is acceptable to both Gwen and Junjun. Eddiegul is a friend of both former CJ Jun Davide and Noy Pabling.

Problems can be solved when there is already mutual trust and mutual respect. Big problems can become small matters among friends. But small problems can escalate into major issues when there is no respect and no trust.

The problem between Junjun and Gwen is that they have never been friends in the real sense of the word. They have not bonded together and never forged a modus vivendi of sorts. The three gentlemen I am nominating are all in their nineties and they have nothing more to prove. They have earned the respect and trust of the Cebuanos. They can be relied on to advise Gwen and Junjun to rise above pride and prejudice and think only of what is best for the Cebuanos.

We cannot allow the Capitol imbroglio to escalate into a major legal war between the Davides and the Garcias. The biggest losers will be the people of Cebu if this issue is not nipped in the bud. We, Cebuanos, should realize that we should all grow up after the nasty mid-term polls last month.