8 neophyte mayors in Iloilo Mayors' League 'elections'
Mayor Raul Tupas
Eight neophyte mayors made it in yesterday's "elections" of the Iloilo Mayors' League with the governor's son, Barotac Viejo Mayor Raul Tupas running unopposed as league president.
In what turned out to be an easy victory for all new league officers, a total of 38 Iloilo mayors came to cast their votes.
It was not the usual elections though as an apparent agreement was already reached from amongst the mayors and the officers just appointed.
Tupas was the only nomination made for president as other positions were filled up smoothly.
Executive Vice President is Sta. Barbara Mayor Isabelo Maquino, Vice President for Operations is Mina Mayor Rey Grabato.
First-termer Estancia Mayor Restituto "Boy" Mosqueda, retired Police General, was the easy choice as Vice President for External Affairs alongside Igbaras Mayor James Esmeralda as Vice President for Internal Affairs.
Neophyte mayors also appointed were Anilao Mayor Matet Debuque as Secretary General, Guimbal Mayor Christine Garin as Treasurer and Maasin Mayor Mariano Malones Jr. as Assistant Treasurer. Also appointed is first-termer Tigbauan Mayor James Excel Torres as Business Manager and Oton Mayor Vincent Flores as Assistant Business Manager.
League Public Relations Officer (PRO) is Leon Mayor Romulo Cabana with assistant PRO, San Enrique reelected Mayor Trixie Fernandez-Tupas. Banate's Mayor Carlos Cabangal is Auditor with first-termer Batad Mayor Elvira "Little" Alarcon as assistant Auditor.
The league's legal officer is Badiangan Mayor Suzette Mamon with Leganes Mayor Adolf Jaen as league spokesperson.
Board of Directors are Tubungan Mayor Vic Tabaquirao, Miag-ao Mayor Juliet Flores, Pototan Mayor Pablo Perez, Alimodian Mayor Juanito Alipao, Pavia Mayor Arcadio Gorriceta, Cabatuan Mayor Ramon Yee, Dueñas Mayor Robert Martin Pama, San Rafael Mayor Roel Balleza and Sara Mayor Ermelita Salcedo.
Estancia Mayor Mosqueda stirred the early part of the "elections" as he was seen giving out flowers to women mayors. Those pushing for Tupas's candidacy thought Mosqueda was gearing for the presidency.
In an interview Mayor Mosqueda said the flowers were nothing but a present to the women mayors of the league as he expressed trust and confidence on the current officers of the league.
"We are all here to strengthen our group," Mosqueda quipped.