The governors of Western Visayas are calling for due process for Iloilo Gov. Niel Tupas Sr. who was expected to be served a dismissal order by the Department of Local Government yesterday.

Antique Gov. Sally Zaldivar Perez, chairman of the Regional Development Council of Western Visayas, said the governors want Tupas to be given due process, noting that the order for dismissal was issued so abruptly and he should be given a chance to defend himself. She said the governors of Western Visayas will issue a collective statement as soon as they get a copy of the order issued to Tupas.

As far as we are concerned, Gov. Tupas has been very cooperative at the RDC and has been implementing projects of the administration.

"Due process must be granted to him, because what is happening to him now could happen to any of us," she said.

We are concerned that what is being done to Gov. Tupas could have a backlash on the Arroyo administration because of the haste in which it is being done, it might be similar to what happened to Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, she said.

Gov. Joseph Marañon said he has full trust and confidence in Tupas to handle his case because he is a lawyer, has been in congress for three terms, and governor for two terms.

"I have no doubt he can handle the case legally," he said, stressing that the law has to be followed.

The timing for the serving of the dismissal is not good, he said.

The decision appears to have been made abruptly with Tupas not having a chance to defend himself, he said.

Marañon said Perez called him about the situation of Tupas and he told her he would support the collective stand of the governors on the treatment of the Iloilo governor.*CPG

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