EYE OPENER
Defensor, Tupas in neck and neck race for governor
According to an independent political analyst, if the elections were held today, Arthur Defensor and Richard Garin tandem will emerge victorious in the Iloilo gubernatorial race hands down. Congressman Defensor is strong in the first district with Congresswoman Jeanette Garin, political kingpin Oscar Garin, the undisputed leader of the district, supporting the Defensor-Garin group. All the six towns in the first district are for Defensor-Garin tandem. Miagao may still go for Defensor-Garin since the Garins did not put up an opponent candidate against Gen. Gerardo Flores for board member in the district and only two board members will be chosen that of Garin’s candidate and Gen. Flores. No doubt according to the political analyst, Defensor-Garin group will get the lion’s share of the vote in the district.
In the 2nd district of Iloilo, this writer was told in an interview that except for Sta. Barbara, the Defensor-Garin ticket will carry the district with the political kingpin Boboy Syjuco, the Defensor-Garin ticket will have a smooth sailing. The strongman of Gov. Tupas Mayor Yee of Cabatuan is no longer running for mayor and Atty. Bob Maroma, the popular son of the town and an influential political leader is in the group of Defensor and Garin. It is already a foregone conclusion that Defensor-Garin tandem will sweep the district.
In the third district of Iloilo, the bailiwick of Congressman Arthur Defensor, all the mayors are reportedly out for Defensor-Garin ticket. Obet Armada, the favorite son of the district may fair well in his district but ultimately the bandwagon mentality to swing in favor of Defensor-Garin group.
In the fourth district of Iloilo, Congressman Biron is vigorously campaigning for the Defensor-Garin group. Except for Passi and Banate where Gov. Niel Tupas is still influential, Congressman Biron will carry the five towns to victory for Defensor-Garin ticket. It was reported lately, that the influential Palmares group of Passi will support the Defensor-Garin group. Gov. Tupas is running for congressman in the 4th District and even if he wins in Passi and Banate his majority votes cannot upset the gain Congressman Biron may have in the five towns.
In the 5th District of Iloilo, our informant told us that the fight between the two nephews is getting hotter and very interesting. Vice Gov. Rolex Suplico who is claiming his congressional seat in the district will reportedly carry Ajuy, Sara, Batad, Balasan, San Dionisio, Concepcion and Lemery against Congressman Tupas of Barotac Viejo, Lemery, Estancia and Carles. But the two relatives are fighting it out for control of the district which to many independent observers will be the “fight of the decade” for political supremacy in the 5th district. While he was an important figure of the opposition in the House of Representatives before, Suplico made a name for himself by leading the party into many investigations and controversial issues.
On the one hand, a trusted confidant of Gov. Niel Tupas is hopeful that his son Raul and former Vice Gov. Obet Armada will emerge victorious in the gubernatorial derby. According to this confidant, Niel’s charisma is still fresh with the voters of Iloilo and the many public works improvement he has given, aid to the helpless in all the five districts of Iloilo will no doubt earn votes in favor of his gubernatorial bid. Besides, the Tupas leaders in the 43 towns are intact and active in campaigning for his son and also his other son’s candidacies. There are seven Tupases running for elective posts in the May 10, 2010 elections.
Arthur was governor of Iloilo for three terms and defeated Niel Tupas during his last term as the provincial executive of Iloilo. He served for three terms as 3rd district lawmaker and had brought public works projects not only in his district but in the province as well. His name has not been linked to any anomaly and his record as a public servant is white as snow. Richard Garin has been mayor of Guimbal for many terms, board member of the first district and no doubt the next vice governor of Iloilo. Like Defensor, Garin’s name is clean. A prominent member of the Garin clan in the first district, Richard will reach higher political positions in the years ahead.
Raul Tupas may rally the majority of mayors in Iloilo and the charisma of his governor father may still work miracle. With Obet Armada campaigning vigorously for Tupas-Armada victory in remote barangays of Iloilo, anything can happen on May 10, 2010 elections. Let’s pray and hope that the best governor and vice governor win in the forthcoming election in Iloilo. Who will they be?
