Polibiz
Time to move on
Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Edwin Trompeta made a scene early Thursday morning last week when we crossed paths inside the Iloilo Supermarket Atrium branch while I was having my coffee break in front of Tinapayan Bakeshop.
Edwin, with bagful of grocery items on both hands, approached me and without hesitation asked me pointblank, "Do I look like a vulture?"
Twice he asked me the question with his protruding eyes. Then I told him, "No, sir, you look great (I actually meant he looks like a great vulture)."
With provoking voice he told me right on my face, "Grabe ka magsipsip, bah!" (You are a great sucker).
Out from nowhere, his better-half Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Director Evelyn Trompeta appeared behind his back. Sensing something untoward incident is imminent the latter pulled her husband's arm as a gesture to leave.
At this juncture I stepped forward and approached him with respect and civility, "Sir, nothing personal."
Apparently, Edwin made a delayed reaction to my previous article defending Gov. Niel D. Tupas, Sr., against doomsayers and a group of bootlickers at the height of the recent Capitol siege and the hullabaloo created by the cancellation of the Genuine Opposition grand rally in the capitol grounds due to security threat.
Edwin was among those who criticized the Office of the Governor for attributing the cancellation of the rally to security threat, which he says could badly hurt the tourism industry in the city and province of Iloilo.
Surprisingly, he kept mum on the controversial assault on the Capitol wherein his better-half played a major role when Evelyn herself insisted for the resignation of Tupas.
Adding insult to injury, Edwin has gone to the extent of justifying the terroristic act of the police when they attacked the Capitol and smashed the glass doors to gain entry.
I believe Edwin should have refrained from making those unnecessary political statements out of "delicadeza" since his wife is the regional director of DILG, the implementing agency carrying the order for Tupas's outright dismissal.
Has Edwin forgotten, his wife got the coveted post of DILG regional director because of their closeness to the Tupases? Unknown to the public the Trompetas made persistent lobbying with the Tupas family in order to get the post. In essence they also resorted to make their own "sipsip" for their convenience though it's none of my business to interfere.
That makes us both "suckers" too. So look who is talking?
Honestly, I felt honored to be closely identified with Gov. Niel D. Tupas, Sr., now considered a political icon due to his principles.
When I made a comparison figuratively speaking, it was clearly to emphasize or rather to unmask the motives of some personalities involved in the Capitol siege.
I have no intention to ruin one's person, only their evil deeds to unseat the legitimate governor.
Governor Tupas is now on his third and final term, which for sure he will be making a graceful exit in Year 2010.
With his new overwhelming mandate from the Ilonggo populace, all the administrative complaints hurled against him are now considered moot and academic.
The governor to the extent is offering an olive branch to both his critics and political enemies for the sake of the people and the province of Iloilo as well.
This is no time for bickering. This is the time to move on.
The governor has planted a good seed since his assumed office and now starting to harvest and taste the labor of what he has sown.
Ever heard of the New Iloilo Airport in Cabatuan-Sta. Barbara town which will be officially inaugurated less than a week from now or to be exact on June 13, 2007?
Soon, two other structures bigger than that of the new provincial Capitol building will be constructed to serve as haven for investors. What else could we ask for?
The Ilonggos should rejoice having blessed with so much bounty from above.
That includes the husband and wife tandem of DOT and DILG regional directors Edwin Trompeta and Evelyn Trompeta, respectively.
What happened in the past is already water under the bridge.
There is so much hope and opportunity to look forward ahead of us.