Polibiz
Election aftermath
The recent elections ended up practically peaceful on the surface but getting a closer look, something uncertain collaboration seems brewing up.
Both the losers and the victors are watching each other’s back; taking the precaution of who would initiate the first stab.
In the local scene, an uncle, a nephew and cousins are assured in their political firmament, yet, the possibility of reconciliation lies more on the interest of their constituents rather than genetic consideration.
Take the case of an aging lawyer obsessed to get back with Gov. Niel D. Tupas Sr. after he failed to negotiate his lot for disposal at the early stage of the airport project in Sta. Barbara-Cabatuan site.
You would see him sticking around like a wild salamander at the provincial capitol where the canvassing of votes tallied for public viewing, purposely to oppose the proclamation of Niel.
Surprisingly, the aging lawyer was very much aware his complaint doesn’t hold any water that would stop the impending proclamation of the subject of his ire as the mandate comes from the people.
Senility has brought the worst out of this aging lawyer, hence, even the Provincial Comelec Chairman Atty. Elizabeth Doronila and other members of the Electoral Board were trying to keep their cool out of respect for someone closely approaching his twilight years.
Ironically, Vice Governor Roberto “Obet” Armada has conceded earlier after realizing he is miles away from Niel as far as the number of electoral votes is concerned.
It was the first time I saw Obet made a dignified act after years of incriminating his self out of false pride. But still I wish Obet, with sincerity, the best of everything.
To some, politics could either be a blessing or a curse; for others, unification instead of disintegration, eventually it also brings out the best or the worst of a person.
For the whole Tupas-Causing clan, however, it brought them a blessing in abundance more than what they are asking for.
The patriarch is now on its third and last term as governor. Manoy Junjun who turns out a victor has his first taste of victory sweeter than wine. He definitely made a good fight against a cousin known to be an officer and a gentleman at par.
Meanwhile, Mayor Raul “Boboy” Tupas runs unopposed in his hometown Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, a known bailiwick of the Causing-Tupas clan.
On the other hand, Nielex or Lex for short, the youngest among his brood was a big surprise and a bonus to the family. He is the only opposition who won not to mention Inday Perla Zulueta who got re-elected as city councilor mostly dominated by administration candidates.
Lex, a promising newcomer in the city political jungle surely may become an easy prey by those who were ahead of him. In fairness, some are confirmed heavy weights; the rest is composed of nincompoops and mediocre personalities.
It is too early yet to praise this young man unlike her veteran counterpart in the person of Inday Perla Zulueta who has already proven her worth in the world of politics.
As of press time, Gov. Niel D. Tupas is yet to proclaim by the Commission on Elections after garnering an unprecedented landslide victory over his rival incumbent Vice Governor Roberto “Obet” Armada.
But the fresh mandate of the people putting back Niel in the pedestal of political power is a clear manifestation of their unwavering trust and confidence to the Number One occupant of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.
In essence, Niel and his family have already been vindicated.
The January 17, 2007 Capitol Siege was both a blessing and a tribulation.
Vox popoli, vox dei