BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA
ILOILO City – Vice Gov. Raul Tupas said he respects his father’s decision giving Cong. Niel “Jun-jun” Tupas Jr. a free hand to choose the Iloilo 5th District solon’s successor come the 2016 elections.
But the vice governor also said he values as well what former governor Niel Tupas Sr. has taught him – to be steadfast in the principles he believes in.
The young Tupas admitted he was surprised by his father’s latest pronouncement.
What the father recently announced was contrary to what he had told the vice governor in previous years, said Tupas.
The vice governor is said to be interested in the post that his elder congressman brother is vacating in 2016.
Cong. Tupas Jr., however, had issued a statement that he wanted a lawyer to succeed him.
He is reportedly grooming his lawyer-wife, Yvonne Angeli, to be his successor.
The vice governor said he respects his brother’s view but stressed the Constitution does not stipulate that one has to be a lawyer to become a congressman.
Raul is a military man by training, having graduated from the Philippine Military Academy.
“You don’t have to be a lawyer to render effective public service,” he stressed.
The vice governor also said the sentiments of the district’s residents are primordial. They must be consulted, he stressed.
He refused to comment on the possibility that his sister-in-law would indeed seek 5th District’s congressional post. But he admitted it would be easier for him to step aside and wait for his time if the one seeking the post is a sibling.
During Barotac Viejo’s recent fiesta, the former governor urged supporters to rally behind whoever Cong. Tupas Jr. will endorse.
Asked if he is going to support his daughter-in-law, Yvonne for congresswoman, the Tupas patriarch replied: “Kay sia ang leader ta sa 5th District, kon sin-o ang i-endorsar ni Cong. Tupas suportahan ko.”/PN
