Polibiz
The persecution of Gov. Niel D. Tupas
The imminent victory of Niel D. Tupas, Sr., on his third and last term as governor of the province of Iloilo in the forthcoming May elections has triggered the present administration to concoct "crimes" allegedly committed by the governor.
Acting Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Raul Gonzalez is swearing to high heavens that he has nothing to do with Ombudsman Chair Ma. Merceditas Gutierrez's order of outright dismissal and perpetual disqualification from holding public office and forfeiture of all government benefits for Gov. Tupas.
Niel and his battery of lawyers are all ready to face the music with defiance if ever a suspension/dismissal order is going to be served in his office.
It has been perceived that no one from the administration is courageous enough to run against Gov. Niel D. Tupas, Sr. hence this political persecution as their only last resort.
His predecessor, Congressman Arthur Defensor in a radio interview said he was not privy about the decision of Ombudsman Chair Ma. Mercidetas Gutierrez.
The persecution of Niel has already reached the knowledge of the national government and to high profile political personalities.
Senator Francisco "Kiko" Pangilinan was the first to extend his sympathy and support to the beleaguered governor. His official statement in a text message: (in tutu) on the order to remove Iloilo governor neil topaz: "i denounce the plans to illegally remove gov niel tupaz from his governorship. Governor Tupaz has been an advocate for transparency & accountability in the province of iloilo & in the liberal party of which I am his party-mate. in lieu of the order to remove gov. tupaz by the Ombudsman, the liberal party will continue to stand behind him & the truth. the unfair allegations being raised against him by the administration will do no good in bringing about good governance to this country. I am saddened by this development and condemn the propaganda being raised by the administration against those that criticize its practices. this is clearly sheer black propaganda in light of the may polls. i call on fellow liberals & ilonggos to stand behind the governor & to be vigilant.
Even the cool and quiet Vicente Arenas, an Ilonggo brother-in-law of Sen. Kiko Pangilinan sent a text message to this writer in sympathy with Gov. Tupas: You know that is purely a political move. Kasi he is not pro-GMA.
A Chinese Ilonggo businessman also sent a message of support and encouragement to Gov. Tupas: You can never put a great man down. The only way they can stab a great man is at the back. Cause he is so far ahead of them all the time. What the government is doing is way below the belt.
My former boss Congressman Prospero Pichay who is running for senator reacted: Hay, naku Nelson, hindi ako puedeng mag-comment diyan.
The governor believes his stand against the operation of Small Town Lottery (STL) in the province; his lukewarm acceptance of the People's Initiative; his public refusal of the Constitutional Assembly (CON-ASS), and his support of Sen. Franklin Drilon at the height of the Garcillano controversy could have contributed animosity between him and Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
This perhaps has given Acting DOJ Secretary Gonzalez and other political foes of Gov. Tupas -- the likes of 3rd District Congressman Arthur Defensor and TESDA Director Augusto "Boboy" Syjuco the chance to add fuel to the fire.
I pity Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for allowing herself caged under the spell of her Acting DOJ Secretary. The solid support of the Ilonggos particularly in the whole Western Visayas for her in the recent elections could have gone to waste.
Raul is a pain in the ass in her administration for committing a lot of blunders and "injustices" left and right, yet, for some strange reason GMA could not afford to rebuke him. Worst, despite his perceived incompetence in the office, the former congressman was made DOJ Secretary as a reward for his unwavering "loyalty" (defined: a sucker) to Gloria.
The phony personalities surrounding vice governor Roberto "Obet" Armada in his mock oath-taking appeared to be the same personalities attacking Tupas upon their termination of service from the capitol.
For the information of everyone Gov. Niel D. Tupas, Sr., is still the legitimate governor of the province of Iloilo
Anyone proclaiming himself as the newly installed governor is tantamount to inviting political upheaval and this may result to a bloody confrontational clash.
Niel in his more than thirty years in public service has never been accused of graft and corruption.
Attempts to bribe him in the past for the operation of various illegal activities such as gambling, fishing, drugs and others in exchange for a staggering amount have never been entertained. Such indecent proposal for Niel could have been consummated discreetly through his automated bank accounts without a trace. So the accusation by his tormentors that Niel had dipped his fingers in a small cookie jar is beyond logic.
Persecuting the governor as their only way to get the chance for the governorship is an invitation to adversity.
The current turn of events in the capitol is a prelude to uncertainty. But one thing I am definitely sure -- Tupas will carve his name in the niche and history of the Province of Iloilo.