Last Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed two resolutions certain to add fuel to the political fire that has been spreading unchecked at the provincial government,
With three provincial board members choosing to stay out of harm’s way and only one PBM voting no, a majority of eight SP members voted to approve a resolution declaring Governor Patrick Alain T. Azanza a “persona non grata.”
Sponsored by PBM Jose Romeo R. Francisco, PBM Edwin T. Tanael and PBM Santos V. Zafe, the measure was reportedly anchored on the governor’s willful refusal to implement an ordinance granting cash assistance to typhoon victims from the Quick Response Fund and his statements on social media branding the local legislators as “trapo”, “corrupt” and “walang ginagawa.”
Although the declaration is a political statement and does not prevent Azanza from setting foot on the legislative hall, it would worsen the already acrimonious relationship between the executive and the legislative ever since two former Azanza allies turned their backs on him shortly after assuming their posts.
What would be of more effect is the intention of Vice Governor Robert Fernandez to “withdraw all non-mandatory courtesies and cooperative engagements with the governor:” and “limit dealings with his office until full compliance with the QRF ordinance and public accountability are demonstrated.”
Thus, their constituent would likely witness the vice governor and the eight PBMs as well as the governor snubbing each other during public functions where their participation is required, like children quarreling over their toys.
Like Azanza’s petition for declaratory relief filed with the Regional Trial Court over the QRF issue which has become moot and academic, the persona non grata measure is seen by many as an unnecessary distraction to both parties’ duty and responsibility to do their jobs, particularly the passage of the 2026 provincial budget.
At this stage, no amount of mediation, even by a religious leader of considerable repute like Bishop Luisito Occiano, would possibly suffice to convince Azanza and the SP majority to agree on one thing, much less bring them to the negotiating table.
While previous skirmishes involved disagreements on the QRF and the appointments of the governor’s trusted office heads, last Monday’s session also saw the approval of a resolution authorizing the filing of a formal complaint against the governor before the Ombudsman for alleged grave misconduct, gross negligence, insubordination, dereliction of duty and abuse of authority, and criminal violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
No doubt, the chief executive would file a similar complaint against the provincial board possibly for gross ignorance of the law, dereliction of duty and other administrative offenses.
Both the SP and Azanza have plenty of ammunition against each other, sources claim, that it is possible that the war of attrition would drag on until one figuratively runs out of bullets or drops dead from sheer stress and exhaustion.
All these moves and countermoves are justified by both parties as being done in the interest of public welfare, which ironically is the only thing being sacrificed here.
On social media, one can see vocal messages of support for both sides although there is no certainty that all of those commenting for or against one side are real, considering the abundance of troll accounts on Facebook.
What cannot be discerned on smartphones as far as this discord between Governor Azanza and the SP majority is the rising disappointment among ordinary citizens with both sides’ actuations and public pronouncements.
If the constituents grow weary of this display of disunity of purpose and abject politicking, the situation could be capitalized on by certain parties to call for a recall election.
That would be an even more divisive “solution” to a problem that only needs to be approached with mutual respect, understanding and real concern for the public they have sworn to serve just six months ago.
With humility and sincere respect, I am initiating this dialogue in the hope of gently bringing the concerned parties to a common table, where differences may be discussed calmly, openly, and without any form of offensive or defensive posturing.
One party has already expressed openness to this approach, and I humbly ask whether the other party might also be willing to consider acceding to this initiative, for the sake of understanding and peace.
I offer this not as a position of authority, but as a fellow Catandunganon, supported by others who share the same desire for harmony. Should this be welcomed, we are prepared to encourage a broader call for dialogue grounded in respect, patience, and shared concern for our community.
Let us not add further strain to an already difficult situation. Instead, may cooler heads, open hearts, and good wisdom guide our steps, so that resolution may be reached in a manner that honors all and harms none.
Col Bert Bernal