Rep. Tupas' father, brother, sister part of Aquino admin

Three family members of Iloilo Rep. Niel Tupas, the lead prosecutor in the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona, are part of the Aquino administration, but Malacañang said this should not be viewed as a reward for Tupas’ role in the chief magistrate’s trial.   At a press briefing in Malacañang Tuesday, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Tupas’ father and brother — Niel Tupas Sr. and Raul Tupas, respectively — were both appointed even before the impeachment of Corona by the House of Representatives.   He said Niel Tupas Sr. was appointed executive director of the Philippine National Oil Company on Nov. 1, 2011, while Raul was appointed Director 3 at the Department of Agriculture on Sept. 30, 2011.   Meanwhile, Tupas’ sister, Nielette Tupas-Balleza, is a national consultant of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.   Lacierda said Tupas-Balleza is not a presidential appointee as she was appointed by the PCSO board in May 2011.   Corona, accused of graft and corruption, among others, was impeached by the House of Representatives on December 12, 2011.   “I think matagal na silang na-appoint… but certainly they were appointed long before this impeachment happen,” Lacierda said.   On Monday, Aquino presided over the oath-taking of former Senator Wigberto E. Tañada, father of House prosecution spokesperson Quezon Rep. Lorenzo “Erin” Tañada III; and Jorge L. Banal Sr., father of a member of the House prosecution team secretariat Quezon City Rep. Jorge John “Bolet” Banal.   The elder Tañada was appointed chairman and member of the board of directors of UCPB-CIIF Oil Mills Group while the elder Banal was appointed acting member of the board of directors of the Poro Point Management Corporation (PPMC).   Lacierda dismissed insinuations that Tañada and Banal were given posts due to their sons' involvement in the Corona trial.   "Tañada and Banal were nominated by the President last August 10 and 24, 2011, respectively, long before the impeachment trial began. They are both qualified to hold such positions," he said.   Tupas, Tañada and Banal are all members of Liberal Party which is headed by Aquino. - KBK, GMA News