Political Swindling

Hole of Justice

by Peter G. Jimenea

 

Loyalty and Betrayal

 

The unification of political leaders in the province of Iloilo under the umbrella of the Liberal Party is branded by critics a “feast of fools.” It is an assembly of the cheats and the cheated, swindler and the victim, and/or a gathering of political-hypocrites.

After the enthusiasm (ang pag into-anay) died down, only former governor Niel D. Tupas, Sr. was badly beaten by his looks. He expects to get the party’s nod for governor through the endorsement of Sen. Franklin Drilon but he failed.  The sad result has put his loyal and hopeful followers to the brink of insanity!

The former governor and patriarch of the Tupas clan is known for his loyalty to the Liberal Party ever since he joined politics. It is through this belief that he assured loyal leaders and followers that he’ll soon get the party’s blessings to be its candidate for governor.

It was only his misfortune that the party has learned the Mafia’s style of political maneuvering - that sometimes cooperation is more effective than competition. So Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. who is a non-party member suddenly became the party’s standard bearer for 2013 elections.

Tupas’ leaders believed he was betrayed. The compounding problem is his patron Sen. Drilon who endorsed him and his son Cong. Junjun Tupas gave their consents to the party’s decision that a non-party member like Gov. Defensor, will lead the province’s political battle.

The ambition of DILG Sec. Mar Roxas to get the full support of provincial leaders in the 2016 presidential election seems the primary motive in this convention. This writer, however, believes that injustice done to the elder Tupas has chilling consequences unfavorable to the anointed one!

As of press time, the disgusted followers of the former governor seemed not amenable to the party’s plan for the elder Tupas to run for congressman of the Fourth District which was vacated by Cong. Ferj Biron. The latter is the standard bearer of the United Nationalists Alliance (UNA) for governor of the Iloilo Province.

The assurance of support by the Liberal Party to Tupas Sr. in case he runs for Congress is a mere pittance. This is what his angry followers’ claim hinted at. As gleaned, they are also unlikely to vote for Gov. Defensor Sr. Maybe it’s true, anger like fire dies only after leaving a path of destruction. This is not good for the heart of the blessed one.

Besides, Tupas Sr. not only lost his face to loyal followers due to the failed bid in getting the party’s blessing. He was may be ridiculed for his pompous bragging to be the anointed one. Now he may not admit it but deep inside him the betrayal is something feeding revenge. This gives Cong. Biron a slight advantageous position.

True, politics is dirty and contagious. I am sure the former governor subscribes to this. Despite the badly hurt feelings, Tupas can still play their game with cards close to his chest. His running for Congress is not what the supporters want. In fact the offer of support by the party to Tupas Sr. made them believed the old man is a victim of political swindle!

This issue is now water under the bridge. Lot of tears had been wasted by the family due to the dirty game of politics. But Niel Tupas Sr. is an astute politician. He may cry today but will smile tomorrow. So, as to contrition for what the party’s top leaders did, I don’t think apology can be easily accepted.