15-0 SWEEP GOOD BUT…
By: Francis Allan L. Angelo
THE complete sweep accomplished by the administration group of the Iloilo City government is a seal of satisfaction for the present dispensation but it does not mean that the private sector, especially the business group, will become fence-sitters in the next three years.
Ma. Lea Victoria E. Lara, Iloilo Business Club executive director, said the 15-0 score of the ruling bloc led by Rep. Geronimo Buenaventura “Jerry” Treñas and Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog is an indication that the public wants continuity and stability in the city.
Aside from Treñas and Mabilog, other winning candidates from the administration bloc are Vice Mayor Jose Espinosa III and Councilors Nielex Tupas, Lyndon Acap, Joshua Alim, Liezl Joy Zulueta, Armand Parcon, Rodel Fullon-Agado, Lady Julie Grace “Love” Baronda, Jose Efrain “Jay” Treñas, Jason Gonzales, Eduardo Peñaredondo, R. Leone Gerochi and Plaridel Nava.
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Jun Biron tells Tupas to retire
By: Tara Yap
DESPITE having all the resources of the national and provincial governments at their disposal , the Tupas clan failed to completely topple the Birons in Iloilo’s political landscape.
Former governor Niel Tupas Sr. of the Liberal Party had the backing not only of Senator Franklin Drilon but also of President Benigno Aquino III but it was not enough to defeat Board Member Hernan “Jun” Biron Jr. (United Nationalist Alliance) in the race for the 4th congressional district seat.
Biron edged out Tupas by 3,517 votes after garnering 80,296 votes against the latter’s 76,779 ballots.
Votes from Biron’s hometown Barotac Nuevo, Anilao, Dueñas and Passi City boosted his victory despite Tupas’ surprising wins in San Enrique, Dumangas, Banate and Dingle.
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End of the line for Syjucos
By: Tara Yap
CONGRESSMAN Augusto “Boboy” Syjuco Jr. and his wife will end their 15-year rule in the 2nd district of Iloilo province on June 30.
Syjuco lost to Pavia Mayor Arcadio Gorriceta in the May 13 elections in a three-way race with I-Care party list Rep. Salvador Cabaluna III in the 2nd district.
“The people have finally been awakened,” Gorriceta said.
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