ILOILO City – Is Councilor Candice Magdalene Tupas leaving Cong. Jerry Treñas to join the camp of Mayor Jose Espinosa III?
She is rumored to be among several city government officials Espinosa is taking to Manila today to take oath as members of the Nacionalista Party.
There was no outright confirmation from Tupas yesterday but she issued this cryptic statement: “I am going where I am welcome. And I am going where my advocacies are supported very much.”
Tupas’ husband Nielex, former city councilor, was previously touted as Treñas’ candidate for congressman. But two weeks ago Treñas hinted it would likely be former councilor Julienne Baronda. On Monday Nielex announced he had decided not to run for congressman citing an “existing situation” that he did not elaborate.
“I want to be where I am very much welcome and with someone who believes in me as a doctor and legislator, where I feel respected and I my voice heard,” said Councilor Tupas yesterday.
According to Councilor Eduardo Peñaredondo, he, Tupas, councilors Leizl Zulueta-Salazar, R Leonie Gerochi and Lyndon Acap, former councilor Perla Zulueta, Public Safety and Transportation Management Office chief Jeck Conlu, and JV Mabilog (brother of former mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog) were flying to Manila with Espinosa today for the NP oath-taking.
Councilor Mandrie Malabor may also join them, added Peñaredondo.
Tupas confirmed she would seek reelection next year. She was one of several councilors being considered in the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) line-up of Treñas who is running for mayor against Espinosa.
She also confirmed having been invited by Espinosa to be in his SP line-up.
“Abangan,” was all she said when asked about which group she would be aligning herself.
Being a medical doctor, Tupas said her prime advocacy is healthcare.
“I have high dreams, high ambitions for healthcare in Iloilo City and I want ang upod ko nga pangamanpanyahan ko man will really support what I believe in,” said Tupas.
Tupas is a first-term councilor. She ran and won in the 2016 election.
Husband Nielex was a three-term councilor (2007-2010; 2010-2013; 2013-2016). He admitted that deciding not to run for congressman was not easy or without regret, noting that he had “strong support based on random and scientific surveys.”
Nielex disclosed in June that Treñas himself had been actively talking to him about the possibility of running for congressman since last year.
“He assured me I could do it,” Tupas said then./PN
