Iloilo Fifth District Rep. Binky April Tupas and former congressman Raul “Boboy” Tupas have fired back at Iloilo Board Member Rolex Suplico, urging him to “act within the bounds of decency” and to stop using his public platform to peddle “polluted” and outdated allegations for political mileage.

The statement came after Suplico’s privilege speech titled “CONG-TRACTORS” during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s 18th regular session on Oct. 28, where he accused the late governor Neil Tupas Sr. and the late Raul Montesclaros, father of Rep. Binky, of alleged involvement in quarry supply deals tied to the construction of the Iloilo Airport during the early 2000s.

At the time, the elder Tupas served as Iloilo governor. Suplico alleged that the deal between the Montesclaros family and the provincial government was an abuse of authority, though the supposed transaction never prospered and was later subjected to a Sandiganbayan case.

But the Tupas couple branded Suplico’s claims as baseless and malicious, saying the information he shared came from a “polluted source” and distorted reality for political gain.

“Board Member Suplico’s allegations on infrastructure projects and his personal attacks against us are irrelevant and reckless,” the couple said in a joint statement. “He should refrain from publicity stunts and insults and get his facts straight from the proper authorities.”

They also reminded Suplico that as a public servant, he is bound by law and ethics to maintain decorum and fairness when performing his duties, especially when discussing sensitive matters involving deceased public figures who can no longer defend themselves.

“We urge him to act within the bounds of decency,” the statement continued. “Dragging the names of the departed and twisting history for attention dishonors not just our institutions, but the very office he represents.”

Emotional exchange inside SP

During the same session, Board Member Nielito “Doc Darl” Tupas, brother of former congressman Raul Tupas, turned emotional as he confronted Suplico over what he described as “disrespectful” remarks against their late father.

“Why bring up cases that were long settled?” Darl Tupas asked. “These issues belong to history, not today’s session.”

Observers said the exchange briefly tensed the chamber as other SP members urged restraint.

Politics vs public service

The Tupas couple stressed that their attention remains on governance and development — not political squabbles. They reminded Suplico that “the political season ended last May 2025,” and that officials should now focus on unity and progress.

“Time and again, Suplico twisted facts and presented them as his own version of opinion and reality,” their statement read. “At this time of challenge, politics should not be about ambition or division but about unity and progress for our people.”

Rep. Binky Tupas cited several accomplishments within her first 100 days in office, including the passage of key education measures, new proposals to boost eco-tourism and fisheries in Northern Iloilo, and the turnover of fully accounted infrastructure projects across the Fifth District.

“Public service, not politics, will always be our focus — guided by humility and compassion as our moral compass,” she said.

The Tupas family maintained that they would continue to uphold the legacy of integrity and service left by their late patriarch, Gov. Neil Tupas Sr., and reaffirmed their commitment to serving the people of Iloilo’s Fifth District with transparency and accountability.IMT