Tupas: We’re capable of running SP committees’

ILOILO third district board member Lorenz Defensor voiced his concern on what will happen to the two powerful committees he chaired.

In an interview with Bombo Radyo-Iloilo on Wednesday, Defensor aired his sentiment on how a new chair will run the committees on ways and means and rules, privileges, ethics, and accountability.

The two committees are concerned with taxation and internal running of the SP, respectively.

On Nov 13, 2018, the majority bloc at the SP identified with fourth district Rep. Ferjenel Biron decided to revamp the committee chairmanships upon motion of third district Board Member Manny Gallar.

Biron is running for governor against third district Rep. Arthur Defensor Jr., son of incumbent Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. and brother of Lorenz Defensor.

Fifth district Board Member Nielo Tupas assured BM Defensor that their colleagues are capable of handling any committee that will be assigned to them.

Tupas said he is confident that his fellow lawmakers can do their work as each of them earned the faith and trust of the Ilonggos in the first place.

“Tanan kami dira capable, ang importante man lang da willing ka, gatrabaho ka,” he added.

‘LINES ARE DRAWN’

The reorganization of the committee chairmanship “is also a political process,” Tupas stated.

“Tapos na kami, naka-file na kami sang amon mga Certificates of Candidacy so may ara na nga majority, may ara na nga minority,” he said.

But he assured that they will focus on their work and service to the Ilonggos amid the political divide.

When asked to react to BM Defensor’s “disappointment” over his vote in favor of the revamp, Tupas said it was not a personal decision but “based on collective decision.”

He also expressed gratitude to Gov. Defensor and BM Defensor.

“Gapasalamat ako kay BM Noy (Lorenz Defensor), I have a good working relationship kay Governor Arthur Defensor (Sr). Kay BM Nonoy, I have a good working and personal relationship sa iya,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tupas said the reorganization will affect the ongoing 2019 budget hearings.

Tupas, who headed the appropriations committee up until Tuesday, said the changes in committee assignments will put on hold the budget deliberations.

“The new Committee on Appropriation’s chairperson will have the discretion whether to continue the previous 2019 annual budget deliberation or to start anew. Assuming nga ako sa gihapon ang mabutang sa Committee on Appropriations, kun ano ang ginaubra ko sa the past five years, as chairman, amo man na sa gihapon ang ubrahon ko. On the other side naman, assuming nga may iban nga chairman sa committee on appropriations, iya man na ngaprerogative kun ma-committee hearing siya liwat,” he said.

Tupas said he already conducted two committee hearings on the P3.712-billion budget for 2019.

SOURCE: The Daily Guardian

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