Lapating: 'I'm not beholden to any politician'
Lapating
“My performance will bear me out.”
Thus said, Provincial Schools Division Superintendent Raymundo Lapating in response to the pronouncement of his godfather Governor Niel Tupas Sr. that he has a “poor performance.”
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan recently commended Lapating for the “outstanding performance in vastly improving the delivery of basic education in the province of Iloilo.”
Governor Tupas, however, openly expressed disagreement over the said commendation maintaining that he has received numerous complaints from teachers against Lapating's management.
Tupas reportedly brought the matter to the attention of Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Jesli Lapus.
Lapating said, he cannot fathom why the governor threw potshots at him lately. He said, Tupas must have been misinformed.
Observers say Tupas' criticisms against Lapating could be traced to politics as it was rumored that Lapating's wife will run for mayor of Passi City and is supporting Fourth District Rep. Ferjenel Biron.
Tupas has openly declared his intention to run for congressman of the Fourth District against Biron.
Lapating said the nearly 15,000 teachers under the Division of Iloilo can speak about his performance.
On the issue raised by Tupas that he caused the transfer of principals in schools located at the Fourth District who invited the governor in school sorties, Lapating said it is completely false.
Lapating said the transfer of teachers or principals involves a tedious process. He said the transfers are being decided by the evaluation committee based on circumstances.
Lapating also clarified that he is not beholden to any politician. “I could say no to them,” Lapating said, adding that he got his promotion as Division School Superintendent because of merit.
Lapating also boasted that in his 14 years as Division School Superintendent his office never incurred disallowances in their disbursements.
“I have never commercialized this office,” Lapating stressed referring to the issue that he interferes in the transaction for uniforms of teachers.
“I leave it to the teachers how to use their uniform allowance, I never dipped my finger in said transactions,” Lapating added.
Lapating clarified that despite the issues hurled against him by Tupas, he still has high respect for the governor.
He admitted that Governor Tupas has helped him become what he is now.
“Whatever happens he is still my godfather,” Lapating said.