Tupas Jr. loses cool in Culasi bill committee hearing
Last week's discussions on one proposal introduced in Congress by Fifth District Representative Niel Tupas Jr. turned too intense and got the Ilonggo solon to 'burst.'
With several fist-banging on the table to prove his point and apparent exasperation, colleagues in the Lower House got a 'ringside' view.
A fellow Ilonggo solon, First District Representative Janette Loreto-Garin was on the other side and purportedly the source of Tupas Jr.'s ire. The subject matter was on a bill pushed by Tupas Jr. to create a new Iloilo town.
With queries after queries made, Garin set off the outburst of Tupas Jr.
Bombo Radyo got hold of the incident and reached committee member, yet another Ilonggo solon, Iloilo City Lone District Representative Raul Gonzalez Jr. for confirmation.
The city solon said the unexpected outburst almost led to a walk-out of Makati City Second District Representative Marlen Abigail Binay. The hearing was conducted by the House Committee on Local Government.
"Si Congresswoman Garin ang source of irritation ni Congressman Tupas (It was Congresswoman Garin who was the source of irritation of Congressman Tupas)," said Congressman Gonzales.
And the "irritation" he added, was because of the questions posed by the lady solon.
Tupas Jr. when reached by same radio station for his statement charged Garin of "politicking" thus the supposed objection to the Culasi town-hood. Culasi is a village in the northern town of Ajuy, Iloilo.
The News Today (TNT) sought Garin for further comment.
"He was actually banging the table several times," Garin shared. "But I am trying to understand him and his actuations. Maybe that is just really him and his mannerisms when upset. I advised him though to try to be more civil when talking to colleagues and not to dictate on others. Nothing personal from me. I was just asking for clarifications."
Other House sources told TNT that Tupas Jr. went further and 'threatened" Garin saying "he will make life difficult for her." That comment reportedly got a "go ahead" quick reply from the lady solon.
Garin when asked on the matter opted not to comment.
Meantime, outburst and all, Iloilo Third District Representative Arthur Defensor expressed reservations on the passage of the Culasi Bill.
Defensor, House Majority Leader made the disclosure over Bombo Radyo adding that in the committee level, he believes the proposal will fail.
Too many objections and major reasons, he explained, pointing out the primary objection made official by the town of Ajuy , Iloilo as the primary stakeholder.
A letter was also reportedly submitted to the House committee voicing out the same sentiments against the Culasi bill from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).