Defensor, Tupas unite for Aquino administration

TWO governors of the province of Iloilo vowed to strengthen the Liberal Party (LP) in the province in respect to the wishes of President Benigno Aquino III.

Incumbent governor Arthur Defensor and former governor Niel Tupas Sr., who both planned to slug against each other in the May 2013 elections under the dominant party, admitted that the President talked to them.

In a press conference presided by LP stalwart Ilonggo Senator Franklin Drilon on Thursday, both governors admitted the province development needs political support and unity.

ILOILO. Vice Gov. Richard Garin, Rep. Janette Garin, former lawmaker Oscar Garn, Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr., Sen. Franklin Drilon, former governor Niel Tupas Sr., Niel Tupas Jr., Rep. Arthur Defensor Jr. and Pavia Mayor Arcadio Gorriceta are joining forces in support of President Benigno Aquino III’s leadership. (Contributed photo)

Drilon announced the candidacy of reelectionist Defensor as LP standard bearer for governor, while Tupas Sr., who remains the LP provincial chief, will run as congressman in the fourth district of Iloilo.

Representative Arthur Defensor Jr. will also run in the third district while Representative Niel Tupas Jr. will run again in the fifth district.

In the first district, the Garins will field notable former congressman Oscar Garin; and in the second district, Pavia mayor Arcadio Gorriceta will run for congressman.

For the vice governorship under LP, former Barotac Viejo mayor Raul “Boboy” Tupas is most likely to be selected.

Garin said his son Richard, the incumbent vice governor, will not run for the position anymore but will concentrate political efforts in the first district of Iloilo.

Big political leaders in the province have also joined forces and sealed their unity to rally behind the administration of Aquino.

Defensor, Garin Sr., and Tupas Sr. on Thursday officially announced their alliance for the upcoming 2013 elections under the banner of the ruling LP. (PR)