Any people attempting to govern themselves by laws of their own making, and by officers of their own appointment, are in direct rebellion against the kingdom of God. – Orson Pratt
Only former Iloilo City councilor Nielex “Lex” Tupas himself can confirm or deny persisting reports that he was prompted to relinquish his post as chief operating officer and executive director of the National Youth Commission (NYC) because Pres. Rodrigo Duterte was eyeing the appointment of somebody, a political ally, for the post.
When he was appointed by former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino in 2015, Tupas paved the way for his wife, Dra. Candice, who was elected as Iloilo City councilor.
Tupas submitted his “irrevocable” resignation to President Duterte through their chairperson on April 6, according to reports.
The youngest son of the late former Iloilo Gov. Neil Tupas worked in the NYC until May 5, 2017, the report added.
Tupas said he wanted “to spend more time with my family.”
Before his stint in the NYC, it was reported that he was being groomed to run for vice mayor in Iloilo City.
-o0o-
We understand the revulsion of some fans of rejected Environment Secretary Gina Lopez. Because they admired the firebrand lady so much, they became emotional and didn’t spare members of the Commission on Appointments (CA) from their slanderous wrath.
Especially Iloilo City Rep. Jerry P. Treñas, who is one of the 25 CA members.
The 24 others, composed of 13 senators and congressmen, also had their own share of vilification from angry Lopez fans in their respective districts, where the ex-cabinet official also has die-hard followers.
In Iloilo City in the Philippines, critics of Treñas accused him of “siding with the enemies of environment” and “waltzing with the mining executives who have vested interests on mining.”
For detractors of Treñas, it was a perfect opportunity to exploit the issue and lash at him without being accused of politicking. They have always been waiting for the Iloilo congressman to slip in the banana peel to marshal their grudges.
RAGE
So virulent was the rage some of them went as far as accusing Treñas, et al of receiving “lobby money” in exchange of helping put away the loquacious Lopez.
The charges were, of course, unfounded and slanderous.
In every issue there are always pros and cons. If Treñas, et al had voted yes for Lopez’s confirmation, anti-Lopez groups would have also slammed them.
CA members are always in the precarious situation of “damn if you do, damn if you don’t”
Now that President Duterte has made it clear CA members were not motivated by monetary considerations, the scurrilous attacks on Treñas, et al by irate Lopez fans became unnecessary and uncalled for.
They can call the CA members names and question their motives in the most constructive manner, but they can no longer bring back their idol to the DENR post now occupied by Sec. Roy Cimatu.
-o0o-
AN Ilonggo passer in the 2016 bar exams wants to clear his name before May 22 when the new set of lawyers will take oath in Manila after he was reportedly implicated in a cash advance controversy.
“Until now, he has not yet liquidated his cash advances incurred since 2015 when he joined a field trip in Manila,” said a source from the accounting office. “He wants to clear his name so that the controversy will not embarrass him in the future.”
The new lawyer, a good person and very dedicated to his civil service responsibilities, works as staff in a local government unit office./WDJ