Admin party wants Rolex vs. Niel
Top Ilonggo leaders of the ruling Lakas party made an offer to opposition leader Congressman Rolex Suplico of Iloilo's Fifth District to be the administration's bet for Iloilo governor.
As such, the choice is now between Suplico and Vice Governor Roberto Armada in what appeared to be a longtime plan hatched in Metro Manila.
The News Today (TNT) in a report gathered that the offer was laid down in a meeting held at Sulu Hotel Wednesday with five top Ilonggo Lakas leaders in attendance. The meeting was called for by Third District Congressman Arthur Defensor, Lakas provincial chairman and present were First District Congresswoman Janette Garin, Second District Congresswoman Judy Syjuco, Fourth District Congressman Ferjinel Biron and Secretary Augusto Boboy Syjuco, Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Party insiders also said that a Certificate of Nomination is all set to be released the minute Suplico gives his final nod to attend the swearing-in ceremony.
Suplico's change of party allegiance has since been 'secretly' pushed amidst heightened discontent on the status of the "Genuine Opposition" group here.
Defensor when reached by Bombo Radyo yesterday (Thursday) confirmed the offer while safely adding that talks are still underway and that Armada remains as the other option.
Suplico on the other hand is expected to give his final say anytime on an offer that reportedly had Guimbal Mayor Richard Garin as his running mate.
For weeks now talks abound on the Ilonggo solons' reported meetings to thresh out issues and concerns relative to the candidacy of Armada for governor.
Questions were raised on the vice-governor's winnability come election day and acceptability to the solons themselves.
The Syjuco couple was known as Armada's 'die-hard' supporters reason why their presence in the Suplico meeting came as a shock to Capitol affairs observers.
"It's a welcomed development," Armada said when asked by TNT for reaction, "especially if he is running for governor. A three-cornered fight is looming, I suppose. Is PGMA (President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) endorsing Rolex? Will Secretary Raul (Gonzalez) and (presidential brother-in-law) Iggy Arroyo, Lakas VP and Regional Chair endorse him also? Let's wait and see."