By PRINCE GOLEZ
Manila Reporter
MANILA — Photos circulating online show barangay tanods in the 5th District of Iloilo province wearing waistcoats with the names of 5th District Rep. Niel “Jun-jun” Tupas Jr. and his wife printed on the back.
There had been insinuations that this could already be Tupas paving the way for his wife Yvonne Angeli Lee–Tupas’ entry into politics.
“It does not mean anything yet,” the congressman told Panay News yesterday.
Reports had it that Lee–Tupas, a lawyer, will run for congresswoman during the national elections in 2016 to replace her husband, who is now on his third and last term.
Neither confirming nor denying the insinuations, Tupas said the next election is still “very far.”
Tupas had been reportedly endorsing his wife during his visits around the 5th District.
According to the congressman, the barangay tanods in his district requested for the chalecos.
And it was Lee–Tupas who donated the vest, he pointed out.
Asked how many vests have been distributed, the congressman said they no longer keep track of the number.
“Too minor,” Tupas said. He added that the waistcoats were provided only to the barangays that requested for them.
Tupas have neither confirmed nor denied reports that he is endorsing Lee–Tupas as his successor.
All he was telling his constituents, the congressman himself said, was that their next district representative “should be a lawyer.”
Does Tupas discuss about his plans for 2016 with his wife?
Tupas said he and his wife “talk about a lot of things” because she works as his chief of staff in the House of Representatives.
“We just focus on our work. She is helping me serve our constituents in the 5th District,” he said.
Tupas came into prominence when he led the prosecution team during the impeachment of the disgraced former chief justice Renato Corona.
A Tupas family member is encouraging Iloilo Vice Gov. Raul “Boboy” Tupas to run for congressman to replace Niel Jr./PN
