Binky Tupas Sworn In as First Woman to Represent Iloilo’s 5th District

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Binky April Tupas officially took her oath as the first elected female representative of Iloilo’s 5th District during a ceremony held Saturday, June 21, at the Barotac Viejo Municipal Gym.

Also sworn in during the event was Board Member-elect Nielito “Doc Darl” Tupas.

Both took their oaths before outgoing and term-limited 5th District Rep. Raul “Boboy” Tupas, who administered the ceremony for his wife and younger brother.

Binky secured her seat in the House of Representatives with 145,283 votes, defeating her brother-in-law, Niel “JunJun” Tupas, who garnered 113,313 votes, based on official results.

Her victory marks a historic milestone and extends the Tupas family’s 41-year political hold on the 5th District, which began with patriarch Niel Tupas Sr., first elected in 1987.

“I am not a native, no experience in politics, but we are given a chance by the electorate, and God has given me the responsibility to serve the public,” she said.

Originally from Bukidnon, Binky is part of the Montesclaros family, known for their business ventures, particularly M. Montesclaros Enterprises Inc., which is engaged in government engineering and construction services.

She first entered politics when she was elected board member of the 5th District in 2022.

As the new district representative, Binky pledged to continue the infrastructure programs started by her husband, including road networks and multipurpose facilities.

“We will bring quality infrastructure to our district as an architect. My husband has done it, but there is room for improvement,” she said.

She also committed to advancing legislation focused on values formation and character-building among the youth, noting concerns such as teenage pregnancy and rising HIV cases.

Raul, who lost in the recent gubernatorial race to Anilao Mayor Lee Ann Debuque, said God had other plans for him—including being a guiding force for his wife.

“Despite our overwhelming margin or advances, we still fell short in other areas. Maybe for a number of reasons, we lost by a relatively small margin despite the overwhelming resources of the other camp,” he said.

Raul also disclosed that he received no support and was even abandoned by some leaders within his party, Lakas–Christian Muslim Democrats.

“Still, I stood my ground because at times, I stood alone in a different place,” he said.

He described Binky’s new role not merely as a congressional post but a mission to carry forward the services he had begun.

“She is now the woman who will carry the voice of the largest voting population in the entire province of Iloilo. It is the farthest district from Iloilo City or the regional center, but it is the district with the greatest potential in economic growth and development,” he said.

Raul also defended his wife from critics questioning her Ilonggo identity and legitimacy as district representative.

“To those who may have looked down on Binky, claiming she is not Ilonggo enough or not original enough—my response: the 5th District has already decided. Loud and clear. No one can question her heart and dedication,” he said.

“From here on, she will no longer be a stranger, even to our opponents. She is a member of our community, not by birth, but by marriage—and most importantly, by choice,” he added.