The News Today Online

Phrase gets Obet in trouble

By Ronilo L. Pamonag

Wrong choice of words?

The committee on ethics of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Iloilo will be investigating Vice Governor Roberto Armada for uttering alleged vulgar words against his colleague-former professor during their session last week.

This came after Armada called 4th District Board Member Domingo Oso a 'rabid attack dog of the administration' when the two engaged in an argument regarding the issuance of Temporary Restraining Order on the provincial government's P100 million loan from Land Bank. To note, Oso used to be Armada's professor in school.

'That's ridiculous,' Armada reacted when asked by The News Today (TNT). 'I won't submit myself (to the investigation).'

It is already tyranny, oppression, he lamented, pointing out that while he is to be investigated, Oso is to be spared.

'I am okay with the investigation if they will also include Board Member Oso,' the Vice Governor added.

Oso called Armada a 'co-conspirator' with the Provincial Board's 'conscience bloc', which filed a suit before the Regional Trial Court Branch 67 in Guimbal questioning the legality of a P100-million loan with the LandBank of the Philippines for the purchase of heavy equipment.

The Ethics committee, which is headed by 2nd District Board Member Rodolfo Cabado, will still have to schedule its hearings, most probably during or after the Provincial Board shall have held its regular session next week, Board Member Niel Tupas Jr. said during a radio interview yesterday.

Armada has justified the utterance, saying that it was but in reaction to what Oso said during the latter's privilege speech.

The Provincial Board has already approved the loan, and has authorized Governor Niel Tupas Sr. to enter into a contract with the government financial institution.

Armada, who relinquished his post, asked the then acting presiding officer, 2nd District Board Member Cecilia Capadosa, that the words 'co-conspirator' be stricken off the record.

Oso reacted, saying that he stands by his words.

It was then that Armada asked that it be put on record that his former professor was a 'rabid attack dog of the administration.'

The phrase against Oso was eventually stricken off the records after Tupas moved for its deletion for being 'vulgar and unethical.'