Tuesday, June 26, 2007 Tupas, Suplico are ready to work together as professionals By Ruby P. Silubrico
* Tupas said he would work with his nephew for the benefit of the Ilonggos by continuing and or constructing projects for the Ilonggos.
* Suplico said the mending of their broken relationship is not far from reality but their time tells them to just work professionally for the good of the Ilonggos.
THE reconciliation between Iloilo Governor Niel D. Tupas Sr., and his nephew, Vice Governor-elect Rolex Suplico, who has took his oath Monday, might be unlikely for now.
However, the two who were interviewed Monday during Suplico’s oath-taking, swore to work together, not as relatives, or comrades, but as local government officials, who were tasked to work for the good of the people.
Yet, Suplico and Governor Tupas shook hands Monday before the eyes of the local government officials and Senate President Manny Villar, who gave their oath.
They also posed for media cameras and showed magnanimous.
Suplico first tapped the shoulder of his uncle and shook his hand with a smile. He did the same to his uncle’s son, his cousin and rival of his brother during the recent polls, 5th District Congressman-elect and presently Board Member Junjun Tupas.
Tupas said he would work with his nephew for the benefit of the Ilonggos by continuing and or constructing projects for the Ilonggos.
He also expressed optimism on the new set of Board Members who would replace the outgoing ones.
Tupas said it is time to put bickering aside and start to work and cooperate for the realization of each promises to their constituents.
On the other hand, Suplico said the mending of their broken relationship is not far from reality.
However, he said their time tells them to just work professionally for the good of the Ilonggos.
Suplico is among the critics of Tupas during and before the election though they both belonged to the opposition.
Their uncle-nephew relationship has totally fell apart during the campaign period when issues and ‘black propagandas’ were thrown to each other.
Suplico ran as an independent candidate opposite Tupas’ running mate, Board Member Domingo Oso Jr.
Around 30 newly elected and re-elected mayors, congressmen and Board Members took their oath the same day.
Out of the locally elected ones, only 3rd district board member Arthur Defensor Jr., and Shalen Palmares Hidalgo of 4th District, failed to attend.
Mayors-elect Carlos Cabangal of Banate, Isabelo Maquino of Sta Barbara, Benviendo Margarico of Janiuay, Matt Palabrica of Bingawan, Roel Belleza of San Rafael, Ninfa Garin of San Joaquin, Christine Garin of Guimbal, Emelda Salcedo of Sara along with her husband, former Mayor Nepthali, Rey Grabato of Mina, Elizabeth Salcedo of Concepcion, Ronnie Balisico, Arnold Betita of Carles, Mariano Malones Jr, of Maasin, Pedro Alarcon and Little Alarcon of Batad showed up.
Other local officials present were Romulo Cabana of Leon, Gregorio Villarico of San Miguel, Juan Alvarez of Ajuy, Robert Pama of Dueñas, Pablo Perez of Pototan, Suzette Mamon and former Mayor Ellery Gaje of Badiangan, Julieta Flores along with her husband Gerardo Flores of Miag-ao, Victor Tabaquirao of Tubungan, Teodoro Lao of Calinog, Ramon Yee of Cabatuan, Gregorio Brasas of Zarraga, Reynor Gonzales of Lambunao and Mayor Liezel Serane of New Lucena.
First District Congresswoman Janette Garin and 4th District Congressman, Ferj Biron also showed up.
