“ALL’S well that ends well.” This is how we described the latest development on the issue between Barangay Apas residents, who occupy the military reservation area, and the Capitol. The residents earlier expressed fears and apprehensions that they might be displaced following the recovery of the lot by the Provincial Government from the armed forces.

The residents, especially members of the Alliance of Barangay Apas Community Association (Abaca), can now sleep soundly, following the assurance of Gov. Gwen Garcia that they will not be kicked out from their present location after their emotional dialogue over the weekend. Only a portion of the military reservation area, which is also declared as a socialized housing lot, will be included in the Province’s proposed development plan. Affected residents will be relocated nearby.

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Despite this positive development, Mayor Tomas Osmeña is still on the warpath against the Capitol. He vowed to intervene in the issue and pursue his plan to file a case against the Capitol.

The mayor claimed that he cannot trust the governor. He said the governor is showing her “kindness” so she could buy time for the formal entry of her brother, GSIS president Winston Garcia, to the local political scene.

There are rumors that Winston will run for mayor in Cebu City next year. Tomas is really looking for trouble. Why rock the boat when everything has already been ironed out? Why should he not give Gwen the benefit of the doubt in her promise to Apas residents? An act of arrogance and vindictiveness?

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What is wrong with President Arroyo seeking another elective position in next year’s elections?

There is no law that prohibits the President from seeking either a congressional post or the vice presidency. What the Constitution prohibits is seeking reelection on the presidency. Reports said that the chief executive is planning to run for Congress in her home province in Pampanga.

Now her allies also floated the idea that she is seeking the vice presidential post, teaming up with Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro, standard-bearer of the administration’s Lakas, Kampi-CMD coalition. If Arroyo still wants to serve the people in whatever capacity after her term expires in 2010, let her run. We cannot stop her. It maybe awkward on her part to run for a lower position because she has been occupying the top position in the land, but if that’s what she wants, then so be it.

Arroyo’s critics should not worry about her political plan. After all, she still has to submit herself to the wishes of the voters in Pampanga if she decides to run there or to the Filipino voters if she seeks the vice presidency. Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist Randy David, a Kapangpangan and a critic of Arroyo, vowed to run against her if she decides to run for Congress in Pampanga. It’s the voters who will ultimately decide Arro-yo’s political fate.

(bgnalzaro@gmanetwork.com)