Whose hand rocks the (admin) cradle?
SUPLICO
The continued dis-unity of the opposition here has apparently been matched by the dis-unity of the ruling administration party and its allied groups.
And no less than Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez, closest Ilonggo adviser of President Gloria Arroyo has expressed 'sadness' over recent mis-developments particularly on not-so-encouraging news regarding the local campaign.
For instance, administration gubernatorial bet Roberto "Obet" Armada known to be the personal choice and has solid backing of the Secretary appears to have lack of support of top Lakas personalities in the province.
In Iloilo's First District alone, power-family of the Garins has since been heard to be gearing for a support on the candidacy of re-electionist Governor Niel Tupas Sr. of the opposition and Drilon-backed Liberal Party. Former Congressman now Philippine Coconut Administrator Oscar Garin lodged few years back a fierce battle against corruption issues that hounded the administration of Tupas. Yet in media interviews granted, the Garins including daughter-in-law Janette Loreto-Garin and husband Guimbal Mayor Richard Garin was never heard of their pro-Armada stance.
GARIN
Same scenario in the Second District where power-couple Secretary Boboy and Congresswoman Judy Syjuco made public its hands-off stance on the Tupas support of Second District mayors.
Gonzalez when asked yesterday over RMN - DYRI said it is unbelievable that Congressmen are unable to seek the support of their respective mayors.
"Indi ko na ya magpati nga ikaw nga congressman indi pagpatihon sang imo mga mayor (I find it hard to believe that the mayors will not agree with their congressman. It is sad that in the case of the First District, what is happening is that the Garins are doing what is good not for the party but for the family," he lamented.
Gonzalez also said he heard not-so-promising feedbacks as well in the Fifth District that reportedly disclosed of current moves linked with the camp of Lakas congressional bet Col. Boy Suplico aimed at 'dropping' Armada.
"But we have to be careful with these information," the Ilonggo Secretary quipped while adding that he will personally update the President with the latest on the local scenario besetting Lakas bets and forces here.