GOVERNOR Eddie Panlilio and provincial administrator Vivian Dabu may have only complicated their problems with the so-called Balas boys with their filing of multiple criminal charges against them last Monday.
Apart from the legal intricacies of the cases triggered by the Balas boys unbridled expression of sentiments concerning the governor and his alter ego, the legal move has extinguished any hope that the two camps can still amicably settle their differences. The bridge to reconciliation may have been burned permanently, so to speak.
As public officials, Panlilio and Dabu may be less favored by law and statutes on matter of criticism and opinions from individuals or groups in the exercise of the freedom of speech or expression.
Being onion-skinned in public office has not been looked upon too kindly in court when invoked as defense for perceived slights on one's image or reputation. Jurisprudence might provide other unpleasant arguments against the two officials.
Even assuming that the two officials will eventually be vindicated in court, it might even come at a certain high cost both could not afford, politically or personally, over the long term. In the short-term, the legal battle might more draw more support for the Balas boys than Panlilio or Dabu might have expected or underestimated.
Politically, the cases will become new grounds by the opposition in undermining public confidence in the governor's brand of leadership, not to mention his priestly image.
Public relations-wise, the ensuing legal battle will provide a new platform for the Balas boys to air their grievances against Panlilio and Dabu, widen their audience and further make their own grievances un-ignorable.
Definitely, Panlilio's inability to resolve simple problems at his level without resorting to coercive approaches is all the more reinforced by his latest decision to hale his critics to the court.
Overall, the public cannot expect much from the cases in terms of better services or better relations among its provincial officials, whichever side wins. It could only be more of the same, or worse even.
So far, the clearest indicator of the negative impact of the impasse between the protesters and Panlilio is the continued decline in quarry fee collection. To presume similar patterns in other areas of governance and service in the province is not unreasonable.
The legal cases against the Balas boys, apart from being unnecessary distraction, could be another wrong turn for the worse.
