Last week, Gov. Ed T. Panlilio and Vice Gov. Joseller "Yeng" Guiao have agreed to discuss their differences as well as some issues that have strained their relationship as top officials of the province.

Guiao said, however, that he would agree to have the talk only if it is covered by media and witnessed by their constituents.

Guiao also asked the governor to set "parameters" so that there would no unnecessary topics in the discussion.

Panlilio agreed with the suggestions of the vice governor, saying that it is high time to discuss the issues raised by his critics regarding his leadership.

Among the topics Panlilio and Guiao agreed to discuss are the provincial budget for 2007 and 2008, the relationship between the executive branch (Panlilio’s office) and legislative branch (the provincial board chaired by Guiao), infrastructure projects and other programs Panlilio had proposed for approval by the provincial legislative body.

Members of the Pampanga Mayors League would also be invited to attend the open discussion because they also have raised questions regarding Panlilio’s governance. It was recalled that the mayors had assailed Panlilio for his alleged "autocratic governance."

Panlilio would also want to invite people from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Civil Service Commission (CSC), and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) as resource persons but Guiao opposed the idea.

The vice governor said that the agencies have nothing to do with the issues to be discussed.

John Susi, Cental Luzon Television (CLTV) news anchor and former broadcaster of ABC 5, would serve as the moderator in the discussion.