The political landscape of the Philippines is often marked by intense rivalry, but the story of former Talisay City Mayor Eduardo "Eddie" Gullas stands out for its profound demonstration of humility and grace. His recent passing has prompted a reflection on the moments that truly defined his character, both in victory and defeat.
A Gracious Defeat and a Triumphant Return
In the hotly contested 2013 election, reelectionist Talisay City Mayor Eddie Gullas faced a stunning upset at the hands of challenger Johnny V. De los Reyes. The race was incredibly tight, with the final margin separating the candidates by a mere 736 votes.
Despite immense pressure from his legal team and political allies to file a formal protest against the election results, Gullas made a decision that prioritized the city's welfare over his own political career. In a private conversation with a journalist that same night, he revealed his heart was not in challenging the outcome, firmly stating, "It will not be good for Talisay." He chose to concede defeat immediately, issuing an official statement that very evening.
This act of political sportsmanship set the stage for a remarkable comeback. Three years later, in 2016, Eddie Gullas returned to the political arena for a rematch against JVR De los Reyes. This time, the outcome was dramatically different. Gullas secured a resounding victory, winning by a landslide margin of more than 35,000 votes.
Humility in Power: A Lesson from Martial Law
Long before his mayoralty in Talisay, Eddie Gullas served as the governor of Cebu and was a member of the Executive Committee under President Ferdinand Marcos during a period of martial law. An anecdote from 1981 perfectly illustrates his consistent character.
While governor, he treated the University of the Visayas Green Lancers basketball team, for which he was a longtime supporter, to dinner at the five-star Sheraton Hotel in Manila. During this era, security at all major establishments was exceptionally tight.
Upon arrival, every member of the group, including Governor Gullas himself, was subjected to a thorough security check. Guards insisted he open his clutch bag to prove he was not carrying any dangerous materials. He complied without objection or announcing his position.
When a guard later realized who he was and rushed to apologize profusely, Gullas responded with gentle understanding. "Don't apologize," he said. "You are doing your job and I feel safer because you are." This simple act of respect for a security guard's duty left a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.
A Quiet Dignity in the Face of Criticism
As a prominent public figure, Eddie Gullas was inevitably a target for media critics and opinion writers. Some critiques were harsh, containing hurtful words and allegations that were often unfair and untrue.
When asked why he rarely fought back or issued retaliatory statements against his tormentors, Gullas shared his philosophy. He explained that he coped by simply "shutting himself off from the outside noise," choosing to focus on his work rather than engage in public feuds.
While the public said their final goodbyes to Sir Eddie last Tuesday, the memory of his profound humility endures. It was this quality, more than any political victory, that truly defined the man and his legacy in Cebu and Philippine politics.
