My political enemies are getting desperate: Tupas
If Iloilo Gov. Niel Tupas, Sr. is to be believed, his political enemies are getting frantic as the 2007 election nears, reason why they've been resorting to desperate measures if only to have a fighting chance in their bid to unseat him from his Capitol top perch by next year.
According to reports reaching Tupas, Iloilo Representatives Rolex Suplico of the 5th district, Ferjenil Biron of the 4th district, and Janet Garin of the 1st district--who all supported his challenger, former first district congressman Oscar Garin, in the last elections--asked for a meeting with presidential sister-in-law Marilou Arroyo-Lesaca recently to convince her to run against Tupas in next year's elections.
Arroyo-Lesaca, however, politely turned them down, it was further learned. The sister of First Gentleman Mike Arroyo is reportedly more interested in seeking the fourth district congressional seat now occupied by Biron.
"Convincing Ms. Lesaca to run for governor against Tupas is only a ploy by the Biron camp to avoid facing a strong opponent in next year's elections. This only shows how nervous Biron is with the possibility of having an Arroyo as opponent in 2007. Pwerte gid 'ya kulba na [He's really very nervous]," a source who requested anonymity told The News Today.
A source close to the Lesaca camp even disclosed of a recent meeting between Garin and her husband Guimbal mayor Richard Garin and former Passi City mayor Jesry Palmares, where they sought the latter's help in convincing Lesaca to run against Tupas.
Palmares is known to be very close to the Arroyos, he being a wedding godson of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He is also known to be close to the President's children.
Meanwhile, asked whether he thinks the three congressmen's bid to convince Lesaca to run against him is an indication that his nephew Suplico had lost interest to challenge him for the gubernatorial post, Tupas said that could be the case.
"Basi nakamarasmas na gid man sya ah [Perhaps he may have come to his senses already]," Tupas said jokingly.
To note, Suplico earlier expressed his interest to run against his uncle in 2007, and had in fact started attacking the latter with exposes against Tupas. His brother, retired Army colonel Boy Suplico, also was rumored to be seeking the fifth district congressional post against the governor's son and namesake, Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Niel "Junjun" Tupas, Jr.