ILOILO – Mayor Niel “Beng” Tupas III of Barotac Viejo town is not taking sides in the conflict between his elder brothers Cong. Raul “Boboy” Tupas of the 5th District and former congressman Niel “Jun-jun” Tupas Jr.
Niel is running against reelectionist Raul in the May 13, 2019 midterm elections. He recently said he was supportive of Beng’s candidacy for vice governor.
But Beng said he won’t be endorsing any of his brothers and would leave it to the people of the 5th District to decide who to support.
He also said neither Niel nor Raul sought his endorsement or help.
“Puro lang kami silent nga tatlo. In silence naga-intindihanay man kami,” he said.
It’s a bit tricky for Raul. He is seeking reelection under the Nacionalista Party whose candidate for vice governor is reelectionist Christine Garin. He is thus expected to campaign against Beng.
Beng is running for vice governor under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino – Lakas ng Bayan.
On the other hand, Niel is a member of the Liberal Party.
Beng is a three-term mayor wrapping up his last consecutive term. He, Niel and Raul are sons of the late governor Niel Tupas Sr.
Beng appeared unfazed that he would be running against Garin who is from a politically influential family in the 1st District.
The 2019 midterm elections would be the second time for a Tupas and a Garin to clash for the province’s second highest elective post.
In the 2016 elections, then Guimbal mayor Christine Garin ran for vice governor against then congressman Niel Tupas Jr. Garin won./PN
