Raul Jr. tells Tupas to mind own business
Representative Raul Gonzalez, Jr.
Iloilo City Representative Raul Gonzalez, Jr. told Gov. Niel Tupas, Sr. to transfer his voter's registration to Iloilo City first before he meddles on the affairs of the city.
Gonzalez's reaction was in response to the statement of Tupas defending his son fifth district Rep. Niel Tupas, Jr. on the issue of the latter putting up his office inside the provincial capitol.
Tupas in media pronouncements compared his son's situation with that of Gonzalez who holds office inside the City Agriculture Office building.
In a radio interview, Gonzalez said he will not allow other people like the governor to intervene on the affairs of the city government. He said the governor should only focus his attention on the works involving the provincial government.
Gonzalez said the building where his congressional office is located is owned by the city government and not the national government. The City Agriculture Office is already a devolved agency of the Department of Agriculture.
He added that he is the one paying the water and telephone bills of his congressional office. The electricity bill is being handled by the city government. However, the congressman has an understanding with Mayor Jerry Treñas for him to take charge of the building's renovation.
Gonzalez said he is willing to pay for whatever expenses his congressional office has incurred should any of the city residents will compel him to do so. He said only the city residents have the right to question his stay at the agriculture building.