Millionaire businessman to end Syjucos' reign in 2nd district
Syjuco
With the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) finding him guilty of corruption for the controversial P9.2-million "Salabat for the Filipino Soul" book scam, one would think beleaguered Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) Director-General Augusto "Boboy" Syjuco can't have it any worser than things stand now. Unfortunately for him, even his comeback bid as Iloilo second district representative in Congress is facing stiff odds, what with a multi-millionaire tracing his roots in the town of Sta. Barbara reportedly planning to challenge him for the said post in the 2010 national and local elections.
According to a former ranking official of the province who is in constant contact with the said prospective congressional candidate, he was approached several weeks back by trusted lieutenants of this fellow, who told him of their boss' plan to seek the position now occupied by Syjuco's wife, Rep. Judy Jalbuena-Syjuco.
"This person had already confided to me about his intention to challenge the Syjucos in the coming elections and put an end to the 12-year reign of the couple in the second district of Iloilo. In fact, I understand he already had met with leaders of the ruling party to talk about the possibility of his bid for the second district congressional post in 2010," our source, who refused to be identified, said of the man who claims the Delgados and Gustilos of Sta. Barbara as his relatives.
Asked whether the guy he is referring to has the financial capability to challenge the Syjucos in what easily could become a battle of political war chests, our source said his man doesn't want to come in saying he is a millionaire but he definitely has the money to clash with the Syjucos "peso for peso."
"This fellow is one of the triumvirates behind one of the biggest corporations in Asia right now. He owns one-third of this very successful corporation. I would assume he has more than enough to give Boboy Syjuco a dose of his own medicine," our source further quipped.
"Frankly, I have nothing against Boboy Syjuco but I believe the people of the second district of Iloilo deserve someone much better than the incumbent. The second district needs someone with an adept entrepreneurial mind that can transform the district into the next economic hub of Iloilo. In fact, he has already made plans of bringing in hotels and other major infrastructure projects to the second district," our source also added.
"In the very near future or as soon as he decides to throw his hat into Iloilo politics, you would know who this person is. But to let you know how serious he is in considering a bid for the second district congressional post, he is already constructing a house somewhere in Pavia," said the former Iloilo official in conclusion.