'Unfortunate, regretable,' Syjuco says of tiff with Garin
It lasted all but one minute yet talks on the reported near brawl of two top Ilonggo officials, key figures in the Arroyo administration heigthens. The specifics of the 'event' are not clear yet depending on whose side one is identified, the accounts as restated all confirmed of a tense situation minutes after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo left the dinner reception tendered in her honor last Saturday.
On one side was former First District Congressman and now Presidential Assistant for Agriculture Oscar Garin. On the other side was former Second District Congressman and now Cabinet Secretary Augusto Boboy Syjuco. In the middle, Second District Congresswoman Judy Jalbuena-Syjuco. The witnesses, prominent Lakas party leaders, Ilonggo solons and at least 20 other invited guests.
The two ex-solons figured into an unexpected tussle after Secretary Syjuco approached and offered his hand for a handshake to Assistant Secretary Garin. Refusing the gesture, Garin chided Syjuco overheard by those nearby including Syjuco's wife, Congresswoman Judy. It was then that an angry Judy butted in while hitting Garin with her handbag.
Cooler heads intervened with Secretary Syjuco seen pacifying the lady solon. Among those known to have immediately reacted and helped ease the situation was Vice Governor Roberto Armada. When reached for comment, the Vice Governor begged off to give any statement.
In an interview over Bombo Radyo, Syjuco gave his version of the incident while stressing that what occurred was "not a major event but a minor one."
"Yes, he acted with hostility but I understand how he must have misinterpreted my gesture. And like a lioness protecting her family, my wife, Congresswoman Judy reacted. She does not really know nor recognize (former) Congressman Garin," Secretary Syjuco said. "Despite what happened, I am still hoping that I can earn back his friendship. But it was really unfortunate, regretable and I hope we can still patch up our differences. After all, we are fighting one evil in the Capitol."
No comment was readily available from the Garin camp however in Sunday evening's program, Owa Mangunguma over RMN 774, Garin disclosed of plans to 'unseat' Syjuco in the Second District. He also said if pushed by circumstances, he will have to run in Syjuco's turf in the next elections virtually closing doors of reconciliation at least for now.
Administration leaders reached by The News Today for reaction similarly expressed their shock over the incident. One top Ilonggo official in a text message said what happened is best explained by this French proverb, "great occasions do not make valiants or cowards, traitors or heroes. It only unveils them to the eyes of men."