A Sugbuak compromise

Politics, democrats claim, is an art of compromise. Because of it, many government disputes that would have otherwise been bloody, have been settled, of course, with some taking and giving up of concessions. Basing upon this configuration, politics is, indeed, something we need today, more than ever, in approaching the "Sugbuak" issue. We have to look for that kind of compromise that will not polarize our leaders and that will avoid lining up their following against one another. Better still, we need politics to harmonize the best of our leaders' visions with the interest of the greater majority.

I noticed that as soon as the different bills seeking the creation of three other provinces from Cebu passed the first reading of Congress, the reactions of those opposed them shrilled. The language of their opposition seemed to stoke our emotions and would probably bring us to the brink of a virtual showdown. I could not help but ask if all the hype was in anticipation of political wars in 2007. That would be acting too soon! But, in heavens name, why would they overlook the fact that in our legislative mills, when a bill passes the first reading, it simply means that the committee to which it was referred to found the measure to be with constitutional basis and plausible? And that the remainder of the process is quite lengthy to include the debates, if our legislators would care, on the meat of the proposed measures?

For her part, Gov. Gwen Garcia, whose recent bold moves captured the imagination of many people, including me, publicly asked those whose sentiments are aligned with hers to write to their congressmen and express their opposition to the proposals. Congressman Eduardo R. Gullas, before television cameras, said that in the last analysis, the people should vote against the measures when a plebiscite is called.

These pronouncements, emotional as they are, assume that the Sugbuak measures are of selfish designs and if the logic were to be followed, the proponents are selfish politicians. Naturally, the issue is driving a wedge among our politicians. It also creates among them and us, their supporters, a kind of personal animosity that drives all involved into harangues. Instead of looking at the merits of the bills, some personalities ascribe to their authors', namely Representatives Simeon Kintanar, Antonio Yapha and Clavel Asas-Martinez, less patriotic intentions.

There must be some merit, no matter how miniscule, to the Sugbuak bills. I can agree to at least, one very forceful argument. When a huge province is divided, some areas can be better attended to and their needs addressed quicker. I have seen this in our province. There are parts of it that have not been reached by basic government services not only because of the undesirable influences of politics but also for sheer distance. It is expected that when they are peeled off from the mother province and attached to the newer political subdivisions, the shorter distances among component parts and the identity of reigning colors can make wonders.

Along this line, may I ask our political leaders to "compromise". They have to take a look at dividing Cebu, not into many provinces. I suggest that all Cebu congressmen put their heads together to redesign the Sugbuak bills to make only two Cebu provinces. Let us call them Cebu North and Cebu South with Cebu City as the point of divergence. They will practically have equal strengths and potentials as they in size. The north shall start from Mandaue City along this side of the island and Balamban on the other side all the way north. It shall include the Camotes and Bantayan islands. Danao City, if made its capital, lies almost at its center.

Cebu South, on the other hand, can start from Talisay City and Toledo City towards the southern tip of the island. The towns of Carcar, Argao or Barili can be converted into its capital. How about, Cebuano members of the Lower House?