Wednesday, January 10, 2007 Ex-rival gives full support to guv By Nelson C. Robles and Ruby P. Silubrico
ILOILO Governor Niel D. Tupas Sr. said former congressman Oscar Garin called him on Tuesday and told him that he's supporting the governor's bid with no strings attached.
Reportedly, Garin initially informed Board Member Domingo Oso Jr. of his declaration in the middle of the ongoing session at the Provincial Board.
Oso immediately informed Tupas of the message.
Just when Tupas got the message, Garin made a call to confirm his sudden decision to support Tupas.
"I'm considering some reasons that would not hamper the people of the 1st District especially the barangay chairmen who exerted efforts for the realization of the projects given by Tupas. I want them to help so I came up a decision to ask the administration not to put up a candidate against him," Garin added.
"Besides, his graft and corruption charges were dismissed and he was not convicted of any charges filed against him. Who I am to go against him?" he added.
Earlier, Tupas gathered all the village heads in the town of Oton at the Breakthrough Restaurant for a caucus, getting their confirmation as to their support for him.
Majority of them have pledged their support for Tupas because of the financial help extended to them by the governor in their villages regardless of their political affiliation in the 2004 election. Further, Tupas reportedly did not ask for any political favor in return for releasing his internal revenue allotment (IRA) to the villages and the school board funds to various elementary and secondary schools distributed in the five districts of the province.
Further, Garin assured Tupas he would not insist on putting his only son and namesake, Oscar "Richard" Garin, Jr to run as his vice-gubernatorial mate in return for his declaration of support.
Meanwhile, feuding brothers, former Oton Mayor Felix "Totik" Flores and Barangay Chairman Evaresto "Bebing" Flores, Poblacion North, have decided to bury the hatchet after almost a decade of misunderstanding due to political differences.
The two reconciled on Tuesday, reportedly for the sake of family unity and a peaceful transition of political power to the imminent political victory of their nephew, Vice Mayor Vicente "Vincent" Flores who is running for mayor in 2007.
