Wednesday, February 28, 2007 Lesaca denies Tupas's claim By Lory Ann B. Bilbao
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's sister-in-law Marilou Arroyo Lesaca said she never made up her mind on any political move yet, contrary to an earlier pronouncement of Governor Niel Tupas Sr.
Tupas announced earlier that Lesaca has settled for a congressional post representing the party-list-Kasangga instead of running as congresswoman in Iloilo's 4th district, under the Liberal-Ugyon Party under his leadership.
"I'm the only person who could decide for myself," she said over Aksyon Radyo Tuesday.
Exactly 29 days before the deadline for the filing of candidacy, Lesaca said there is a lot of time for a decision.
She added that she was offered numerous and interesting political endorsements that confuse her right now.
She divulged that the ruling party or her sister in law's party, Lakas-CMD, is courting her to run for governor.
Then, there is the impending offer of Tupas for her to run as the representative of the 4th district and clash with Representative Ferj Biron, a member of Lakas-CMD.
Also, there is this party-list representation that she is being enticed to enter.
Lesaca also denied reports that multi-millionaire Barotacnon, Biron has paid her P200 million in order to discard the offer of Tupas's camp.
"We have enough money which was inherited," Lesaca snapped.
Tupas, however said Lesaca has confided to Board Member Niel Tupas Jr. during their conversation last week, that she would run for Congress indeed, but only to represent a party-list.
Tupas, who stands as the staunch leader of the Local LP, together with LP's former member, and once rival of Biron, Palmares has come up with a mutual proposal that Dumangas third-term mayor, Rolando Distura, will replace Lesaca once the latter rejects the party's offer.
"But, Lesaca and Distura are yet to talk next week regarding the congressional bid in the 4th district," Tupas said.
The party should arrive with a sole congressional candidate in the same district, said Tupas.
"I think Roly (Distura) understands that also and I believe that only one of them is determined in running for congressman."
