Hole of Justice
The thin red-line
News of the Lakas-CMD choice for vice governor as running-mate of administration candidate Roberto "Obet" Armada stirs the local politics in Iloilo province. Prospective choices, however, exclude Board member Manuel Gallar who like Armada is from the Third District of Iloilo.
Among those eyed by the party for the position are First District Mayor Richard Garin of Guimbal, former vice governor of Iloilo Demy Sonza of the Second District and the only opposition congressman Rolex Suplico of the Fifth District.
Surprisingly, however, Suplico came out as the leading choice consensus omnium -- by the agreement of the majority if not all of the party leaders in the province chaired by Cong. Arthur Defensor of the Third District.
But if we study the analysis of Cong. Defensor in this case closely, picking up Suplico as the candidate of Lakas-CMD for vice governor is a matter of vital importance. If Suplico decides to run, he is publicly perceived to easily win over Board member Domingo Oso.
This is the party's valuable insight this writer may as well heed. Besides which, being from the Fifth District, the congressman can surely reduce the votes of the candidate for governor to be launched by the Liberal-Ugyon party under his uncle, the incumbent Gov. Niel Tupas.
First thing that comes into the people's mind is that Suplico's candidacy could damage prestige of the governor. We should look upon this favorably, unless, the congressman may have some concession to iron with the party leadership.
As we see it, Suplico is young, tested and filled with sense of infinite possibility like Armada. But there is still doubt among keen observers as blood is thicker than water. For all we know, Suplico is the nephew of the governor.
Thus, Cong. Defensor wants him to take his oath first with Lakas and tow the party line to help all candidates of the administration in his district. If this materialized, we could place our long-shot bet for Armada and Suplico that they could easily hurdle the obstacles of the election.
As a matter of fact, Col. "Boy" Suplico, brother of the congressman is already with the Lakas who will throw his hat for Congress against his first cousin Board member Niel "Junjun" Tupas, Jr. For the camp of Gov. Tupas, this scenario is vote reduction rather than addition.
Mayor Jett Rojas of Ajuy also joined the Lakas-CMD party with intent to run for board member of the district. This is another thing to ponder if the mayor goes full-speed in support of the administration at the opposition's turf.
Lakas district party chairman, the multi-awarded Mayor Raul Banias of Concepcion town and a close-associate of humble Mayor Pedro Alarcon of Batad, can also give a headache to the governor as disparity seems to grow now compared to his victory last election against former Cong. Oscar Garin.
Like Cong. Defensor, the record of Cong. Suplico as opposition in Congress is also a testament to his legislative genius. But as he correctly pointed out, the opposition does not always stand against any good program worthy of support. He claimed to be always amenable and supportive to good programs of the administration.
In short, changes can happen anytime at the political ground of the Fifth District. This, as eventual result of the negotiation between Lakas-CMD Party headed by Cong. Defensor and Cong. Suplico depends largely on the acceptability of the purpose. This is what the claim hinted at.
What is also important for acceptability of Cong. Suplico in the Lakas_CMD Party is his assurance of support to all administration candidates in the Fifth District. He may have an animosity with cousin "Junjun" and aunt but it is widely believed he is still in good term with his governor uncle.
According to Cong. Suplico, he is 51% agreeable to the offer of the administration to take his oath with Lakas. But if blood is thicker than water, the relationship between uncle and nephew may only be a thin-red-line but must be resolved first before everything is put in place!