Tupas on series of graft cases: I enjoy them
Gov. Niel Tupas Sr. speaks before the members of
the People's Graftwatch of Iloilo Inc. On the
background are Virginie Lafleur-Tigue of the
European Commission, Jaro Archbishop Msgr.
Angel Lagdameo and OIC Deputy Ombudsman
Virginia Santiago.
Iloilo Governor Niel Tupas Sr. is undaunted by the number of graft cases he is facing at the Office of the Ombudsman Visayas. In fact, the governor said, he enjoys the cases filed against him.
Tupas delivered the message in front of members of the People's Graftwatch of Iloilo Inc. (PGII) during the launching of the People's Participation in Graft and Corruption Prevention Project which is a partnership between the PGII and the European Union.
PGII headed by its president Msgr. Meliton Oso has filed several cases against Tupas in the Ombudsman.
Tupas said he welcomes all the cases filed against him as it is part of his job as governor.
"I'm not afraid," he said, adding "anyway I can prove to them that I have done no wrong."
Tupas said he does not even feel bad about the PGII people despite the series of cases filed against him.
"We are still in good terms," Tupas said. "In fact, when Msgr. Oso invited me to be here I immediately canceled all my other appointments."
Tupas however observed that PGII seem to focus only on the province of Iloilo. He even noticed the objective of the PGII printed in the program as eradication of graft and corruption in the "province of Iloilo."
"Tani dal-on man pati Iloilo City," the governor quipped which elicited applause and laughter from the audience including City Councilor Jed Mabilog who represented City Mayor Jerry Treņas.
Nevertheless the governor went on to boast of his accomplishments in eradicating jueteng and other illegal activities in the province.
He also assured the PGII that he will cooperate in whatever way to ensure transparency in governance.
Meanwhile, Oso stressed that PGII is merely acting on complaints brought to their attention.
"We examine the complaint, then the documents to support it. If we find it justifiable then we forward it to the Office of the Ombudsman," Oso said.
Oso stressed PGII does not favor any politician. He even cited one case PGII filed in which his brother, provincial board member Domingo Oso, Jr., is one of the respondents.
Oso also dismissed the perception that PGII is being used by some influential politicians.
"I have a credible legal panel. (referring to the retired judges and lawyers who are members of PGII) I don't think these people could be swayed or influenced by anybody," Oso said.
OIC Deputy Ombudsman Virginia Santiago also defended the church-based organization saying "I can vouch for the integrity of former judges, lawyers and concerned individuals who compose this group."