It is no secret that Iloilo vice governor Rolex T. Suplico hates the guts of provincial administrator Manuel “Boy” Mejorada.
Even before Suplico assumed office on June 30, he had already made public declarations that he would torment and harass the provincial administrator in retaliation for the latter’s key role in the successful re-election bid of Governor Niel Tupas, Sr. in the May 14, 2007 elections.
Suplico cannot stomach the idea that Mejorada, who was once a close friend, could openly unleash a barrage of negative commentaries over his radio program against the prodigal nephew.
But Suplico must understand that as vice governor, he should keep his personal emotions under check when he is performing official functions.
For instance, when he is discharging his role as chairman of the committee on appropriations, he should try to do his work as objectively and dispassionately as possible. ‘Walang personalan’, as the expression goes.
Suplico forgot about his good manners and right conduct last Monday, December 17, when the committee heard the proposed budget of the Office of the Governor in which Mejorada appeared to enlighten the members about its contents.
Suplico had recognized Mejorada and allowed him to answer questions from board member June Mondejar when, all of a sudden, he literally threw the provincial administrator out of the session hall. His reason? He said Mejorada’s name does not appear in the plantilla of positions in the Governor’s office.
There is no such rule that only officials listed in the plantilla can explain the budget for a particular office.
As pointed out, Mejorada was officially designated by the governor to represent his office. This has been the practice in previous years.
Suplico, however, refused to listen to reason.
Just get out of my sight. That’s the message he conveyed to Mejorada.
Suplico betrayed his true character as a rude and boorish individual. He doesn’t treat people with respect and dignity. He enjoys humiliating others. His abusive behavior is now well-known in the community. He thinks he can trample upon the rights of others with impunity.
