Gonzalez, Armada lash back at Tupas

By Florence F. Hibionada

Grand design? Conspiracy theory? Whatever it may be, Vice Governor Roberto Armada hits back at Governor Niel Tupas challenging Iloilo's highest official to either “put up or shut up.”

In what is seen as a rare display of ‘outburst,' the Vice Governor sent The News Today said official reply following Friday's press conference called by the Governor at the Capitol. Tupas charged the Vice Governor to be in cahoots with Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez in what he said was a grand design that the duo conspired to unseat him.

And this, Tupas added strongly, was all because Armada is in a hurry to take over the governorship of Iloilo and Malacañang's way of getting back at him for his anti-Arroyo stance.

To recall, the Governor had a sudden change of heart and allegiance early August in support of the sudden change of heart and allegiance as well of Senate President Franklin Drilon. The Ilonggo Senator is the Governor's biggest backer and associate.

Secretary Gonzalez meanwhile laughed off Tupas' allegation of a grand conspiracy to unseat him saying he was only doing his job.

In a radio interview, Gonzalez clarified that he was furnished with a copy of the complaint filed by the People's Graftwatch of Iloilo and it is inherent upon him to act on it citing the Memorandum of Agreement between the Office of the Ombudsman and the Justice Department.

Gonzalez said the MOA seeks cooperation between the justice department and the Ombudsman to help the latter declog its dockets.

Gonzalez clarified though that they could only help investigate, the decision still lies with the Ombudsman.

Gonzales also confirmed that he had created a team that would conduct investigation on the complaint against Tupas.

The team is composed of Special State Prosecutor Leo Dacera, who sits as chairman, Regional State Prosecutor Domingo Laurea, vice chairman, and members Prosecutor Bernabe Dusaban, private lawyer Eldrid Antiquera and another lawyer.

“Governor Tupas should put up or shut up. His accusation against me being in “cahoots with DOJ Secretary Gonzalez” is unfair and malicious. I challenge him to substantiate his claim. If not, I hope he will spare my name in this issue. I have always taken a hands-off policy regarding this matter for reasons of delicadeza and fair play. I have always acted in accordance with my oath as Vice Governor having in mind to serve the greater interest of our people in the Province of Iloilo. I never have and will never comment on these matters, re: governor and board members regardless on whether they're political allies or not.” Armada said in a statement sent to The News Today.

And “ridiculous” too, the Vice Governor also tagged the Governor's insinuations and accusations of a conspiracy theory particularly since the charges that the Justice Department wants answered and explained by Tupas were all lodged by the People's Graftwatch of Iloilo.

“Me conspiring with Justice Gonzalez and Monsignor Meliton Oso and the rest of the distinguished members of the Iloilo Graftwatch? That is really ridiculous,” he said in an interview with Bombo Radyo's Novie Guazo Friday evening.

Meantime, top Tupas aide, Provincial Administrator Manuel “Boy” Mejorada joined the fray as well in lambasting the Justice Secretary. Heard Saturday in a radio program of the Capitol over Aksyon Radyo, Mejorada went lengthily to deride Gonzalez while stressing that the Justice Department has no right nor authority to investigate Tupas.

As such, the Governor will definitely fight back, Mejorada assured and that the Gonzalez attack will not be taken lightly.

“ Indi magluhod si Governor Tupas kay Secretary Gonzalez kag magsiling nga, Secretary Gonzalez, pasayluha ako kay wala ako kabalo nga kung mangakig ka gali iya, vindictive ikaw kayo (Governor Tupas will not kneel before Secretary Gonzalez to say, “Forgive me Secretary Gonzalez for I did not know that if angered, you are very vindictive),” excerpts of Mejorada's radio pronouncements went.

Tupas stands as respondent on a number of graft raps filed by the People's Graftwatch along with several other top Capitol officials, Mejorada included. Among the complaints pending before the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas include numerous counts of falsification of public documents, malversation of public funds and usurpation of powers.

His preventive suspension has since been sought pending resolution of said complaints.