Colada victory: End of Tupas dominance in SP
Colada: I'll make PCL responsive to the
needs of its members.
Tuesday's victory of Celia Colada and defeat of Lilia Gonzales in the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) elections will spell significant developments in the affairs of the Iloilo Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP) to the Executive Department.
With Colada now the new ex-officio member, Capitol observers and media views are one in saying that such will start the end of SP "dominance" of Governor Niel Tupas Sr.
A former Board Member in a text message shared that the governor's "glory days" are over with a clear majority in the 9th SP "not under the Tupas spell."
Colada, first-termer Councilor in Januiay won by 14 votes in an elections marked with a divided league. The election process itself not only saw surprising acts of "honorable" men and women councilors but downright amusing reactions from die-hards of both camps. (See related story)
National PCL officials Joey Evangelista and Michael Fernandez witnessed the proceedings. Asked for comment, Evangelista told The News Today (TNT) it was smoothly conducted while Fernandez for his part shared that what occurred Tuesday was a "clear democratic practice."
Colada was in the Capitol yesterday to check on her office yet failed to officially start as mandated by law with the staff of the previous president still in the process of packing.
In an interview, Colada said foremost in her priorities is to get things in order in the PCL's records. Such, as she disclosed plans of forthcoming consultative meetings in Iloilo's five districts. A review will also be correspondingly made on the pending projects of the league with Colada saying that all future works will have to be consulted with league members.
A Lakas bet during the May polls, Colada is known to be with the camp of Vice Governor Rolex Suplico and First District Board Member Richard Garin. Her inclusion in the 9th SP is expected to seal a 9-3 division in the SP body, with the minority identified with the governor.
"The Ilonggo people won. It is a concerted effort of the majority yet it is not a proxy war. It was also an unprecedented victory realized in a five-day campaign," Board Member Garin said. "I am also optimistic that Board Member Colada will be an asset to the Provincial Board with years in government service and her years of experience as the wife of highly-respected Judge Teodulo Colada."
Suplico, on his part, said, "the councilors have spoken. Amen. I wish to congratulate the new officers of the PCL Iloilo Chapter."