It's not easy to pinpoint the "lapses" in one's performance of his functions and duties. Achievement is subjective and depends on who evaluates it or how it is being evaluated. It also depends on the inclination or sympathy of the evaluator. And sympathy, naturally, may be founded on varied grounds – personal, professional or political relationship; the side one usually hear; simple independent observation of what or which is wrong or right; pride and prejudice; or other factors.
Achievements of public officials boil down to the satisfaction not of the few political observers or the sympathizers of the contending parties but of the majority of the electorate. The issue boils down to whoever enjoys the trust and confidence of the larger number of their constituents.
But how do we know who really has the trust and confidence of the people? Can we base it on the result of the last elections?
(Panlilio garnered 219,706 votes while Guiao got 293,826 votes.)
Common sense dictates that it would be illogical and injudicious to do so, as the circumstances surrounding the last gubernatorial race were substantially different from the vice gubernatorial contest.
How about a recall proceeding? Definitely. And current political manifestations seem to lead to such course, particularly towards the direction of Panlilio. But a recall move against Panlilio will certainly not settle the issue who among the governor and the vice governor has the support of the people.
It will reveal whether or not Kapampangans still want Panlilio to serve as their governor. But it will not reveal if they still want Guiao as their vice governor.
So how do we resolve the "achievements" issue between the Provincial Government's chief executive and the presiding officer of the Provincial Board? Simultaneous recall? Not really a bad idea, although it might be too impractical for the province.
Assuming it's feasible, will Panlilio and Guiao allow their constituents to be their judge as regards the issue who has been properly doing his job?
I don't think a challenge to resign vis-à-vis accomplishments will not settle anything, especially if they both deny that they're sleeping on their jobs, and, in fact, even cited some of their achievements.
By the way, Merriam-Webster defines achievement as a result gained by effort. The achievements of the governor and the vice governor, therefore, are based on the results of the performance of their respective tasks, which are aimed for the common good.
Now, as the electorate, what kind of a duel would you prefer to witness between your governor and your vice governor? And who do you think should judge the victor in the duel?
Perhaps a result-oriented challenge, instead of word war on accomplishments and shortcomings, is what the people actually deserve.
