BY PRINCE GOLEZ
Manila Reporter
MANILA – Former Iloilo governor Niel Tupas Sr. injured his spine, confirmed his son and namesake, Cong. Niel “Jun-jun” Tupas Jr. (5th District, Iloilo).
The 81-year-old Tupas sustained the injury while playing tennis a few months ago, disclosed the congressman.
The elder Tupas is known for his active lifestyle. Tennis is one of his favorite recreational sports.
Cong. Tupas dismissed speculations that his father is gravely ill. He assured the Ilonggos, particularly those from the 5th District, that the former governor is “recovering well.”
He is undergoing therapy, the son added.
People used to see the elder Tupas visit towns and barangays across Iloilo, and most especially in the 5th District, his political bailiwick.
But he has not been seen for months, sparking a lot of speculations on the former governor’s condition.
An alleged rift among the former governor’s children on who should run for congressman in the 5th District come the 2016 election further fueled rumors that the Tupas patriarch’s condition was deteriorating and had no more say on the political plans of the clan.
Cong. Tupas clarified to Panay News that his father is not bed-ridden.
“Tatay is (now) recovering…He injured part of the bone in his spine,” he said.
The acknowledged political kingpin of Iloilo’s 5th District can now walk short distances, revealed the congressman.
He can also “dance a little” now, added Cong. Tupas who is on his third and last term as representative of his district.
The elder Tupas’ wife, Myrna is known for her love of ballroom dancing.
The popular congressman, who led the House of Representatives during the impeachment trial of then Chief Justice Renato Corona, shared that his father’s therapy will continue for “a few more months.”
The former governor has seven children, many of whom hold political office. Aside from Cong. Tupas, there’s also Vice Gov. Raul Tupas of Iloilo, Mayor Niel Tupas III of Barotac Viejo, Iloilo and Councilor Lex Tupas of Iloilo City.
The Tupas matriarch, Myrna herself served three times as municipal mayor of Barotac Viejo./PN
