Tupas ‘shocked’ by Debuque’s vice gov bid

By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan

Iloilo’s 5th District Rep. Raul “Boboy” Tupas expressed surprise on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at the announcement of Anilao Mayor Nathalie Ann Debuque as the running mate of Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. in the 2025 elections.

Tupas confirmed to Aksyon Radyo Iloilo that he plans to run for vice governor, a decision he made after consulting with his provincial team leaders.

He said he had already expressed his desire to seek the vice gubernatorial post around six months ago to fellow Representative Ferjenel Biron (Iloilo-4th), the provincial chairperson of the Nacionalista Party (NP).

However, Tupas revealed that two weeks ago, he learned that his name had been excluded from Defensor’s consideration.

“That is something I have to respect regarding their actions. For me, I just want to present the service I can provide,” Tupas said during the radio interview.

Tupas mentioned that he had sensed his exclusion when he was not included in gatherings of the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas’ local lineup, despite being encouraged to run by House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez (Leyte-1st).

The Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas is a five-party coalition (NP, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, Lakas-CMD, Nationalist People’s Coalition, and National Unity Party) supporting the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Hints from the Nacionalista Party and repeated information about his non-selection prompted Tupas to shift to Lakas-CMD, a move supported by Romualdez.

“In the last two weeks, people asked why I wasn’t there, so I directly inquired with [Navotas Rep.] Toby Tiangco, the campaign manager for Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas. If I proceed with my decision, it would be affected,” Tupas recounted.

“[Tiangco] explained that the alliance’s policy favors incumbents, known as ‘equity of the incumbent,’ limited to positions such as congressman, governor, and city mayor. It’s not solely the governor’s decision. If I want to serve, it’s up to the party to carry me,” he added.

Tupas said he felt disappointed when he realized he wasn’t chosen by Defensor’s camp.

“I was never formally spoken to, nor was I officially informed. I was surprised that there was no message for me. I always kept an open mind and believe they should’ve been honest with me six months ago, five months ago, so I could adjust when meeting people and leaders,” he said.

Tupas previously served as vice governor under Gov. Defensor’s father, Arthur Defensor Sr., from 2013 to 2016.

He then ran successfully for the 5th District congressional seat instead of seeking a second term as vice governor.