LINGAYEN—Is Senior Superintendent Marlou Chan, police provincial director, ready to for an out-of-court settlement with Gov. Amado Espino Jr. and the provincial government regarding their strong call for his ouster?

It appears so as Chan announced late last week that he wants to meet Espino’s representative, Acting Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim Jr. on Monday, June 17.

“I intend to see the acting governor on Monday,” said Chan on Thursday after the case hearing at Branch 69 of the Regional Trial Court in Lingayen before acting Judge Caridad Villegas-Galvez.

He added, “I was informed that Archbishop Soc Villegas is willing to mediate so I welcome such development…We’re all open to options…all doors are open.”

Espino’s legal counsel, Provincial Legal Officer Geraldine Baniqued said, “We are not closing our doors to that (out-of-court settlement). I’m sure the governor that if he were here, he would have the same thing in mind.”

Espino, who was re-elected as governor in the May 13 election, is currently on leave.

Baniqued said that during the June 13 hearing, Chan “intimated something which we feel should be first resolved before we push through with the testimony of the provincial administrator.”

Baniqued did not elaborate.

Earlier, Chan remained adamant that “For as long as there is an official order directing me to perform the functions of police director, I will continue with my job which started on Dec. 21, 2012.”

“I have a legitimate and lawful order designating me as provincial police director so I will follow that unless otherwise there is another order (for my relief),” he said, adding that “it would be wise to wait for the court decision”.

Espino filed the case seeking the issuance of a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order against Chan’s permanent appointment as head of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Pangasinan office.

NO GRUDGE

Meanwhile, Chan also earlier said he holds no grudge against the sponsors of the persona non grata resolution, namely Board Members Alfonso Bince Jr., Von Mark Mendoza and Raul Sison whom he still considers as his friends.

“They may have their own reasons for doing it and I respect that… With such development, I join other parties concerned in urging a speedy disposition on the petition filed in court as to the status of my appointment, the resolution of which will surely of great help so that I can go on with my life and career,” Chan said.

The next hearing on the case is scheduled June 27.

In the June 13 hearing, it was a no-show for PNP Region 1 Police Commander Ricardo Marquez and Director for Personnel and Record Management Catalino Cuy who have been included as defendants following the amendment of the case docketed as number.

According to the complaint, the two police officials allegedly violated pertinent provisions of the PNP and the Omnibus Election Code in relation to the designation of Chan as Provincial Director.–Johanne R. Macob and Eva Visperas

ARCH. SOC READY TO MEDIATE

 “LET us be channels of peace. There can be no peace without dialogue.”

This was the message of Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas as he expressed his willingness to mediate between the police provincial director and some Pangasinan officials led by the governor.

Gov. Amado Espino Jr., supported by the provincial board and majority of Pangasinan mayors, are seeking the ouster of Senior Supt. Marlou Chan as head of the provincial police force.

“If they are willing to meet and talk and they need a venue and a facilitator, please consider me. There can be no progress without peace amongst government officials,” Villegas said.

Chan, for his part, said he was deeply moved by the archbishop’s readiness to be a go-between to end the dispute.

Espino filed a case in court questioning Chan’s appointment and seeking a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order.

The provincial board, meanwhile, passed resolutions supporting Espino’s move and declaring Chan persona non grata.

Judge Caridad Galvez of Regional Trial Court branch 69 in Lingayen, where the case is being heard, has also suggested that the two parties, Espino and Chan, have a dialogue to end the rift.

Galvez said her decision would definitely have a winner and loser but it will not necessarily end the disagreements.

She added that the election is over and she hopes election-related issues filed in court be resolved.—Eva Visperas

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