Iloilo governor sees Lakas-Ugyon coalition

ILOILO CITY – Lakas through Ignacio Arroyo, Lakas chair for Region VI "did not invite" Rep. Rolex Suplico) LDP, 5th district, Iloilo) to join the ruling Lakas-NUCD in the meeting held last June 26, declared his uncle Iloilo Gov. Neil Tupas Sr. (Ugyon).

Tupas, reacting to a statement issued by Suplico and published July 15 in a national paper, said his nephew had "misunderstood me."

Suplico in a press statement said that he rejected the administration offer to join Lakas as he lambasted the ruling party for using the "carrot and stick" strategy. He alleged that as a result of the rejection, Malacañang harassed him by slapping him with extortion raps.

"What was discussed during my meeting with Mr. Arroyo and other Lakas party officials last June 26 was the likely coalition of Ugyon and Lakas in the province of Iloilo to support the administration programs and policies. Rep. Suplico was not present in that meeting" Tupas said.

Meanwhile, the governor said President Arroyo had thanked him for accepting the offer to hear the provincial coalition to support her programs.

Ugyon is a regional party covering Western Visayas and has Senate President Franklin Drilon as chairman and Tupas, as president.

The Lakas-Ugyon coalition is being worked out to bolster the ruling party’s regional machinery for the 2004 national and local elections.