Alberto Lopez blowing his birthday cake as common-law-wife Emily looks on.

THE BROUHAHA brought about by the Gucci Gang controversy that involves lifestyle columnist Celine Lopez resurrects past reports about her parents, Albertito Lopez and Emily Relucio. Celine’s father served as three-term congressman of the 2nd district of Iloilo from 1987 to 1998 (1987-1992; 1992-1995; 1995-1998). Her mother was appointed as the first governor of Guimaras when the former sub-province of Iloilo became a full-fledged province in 1992. She was eventually elected to the post in 1995. Ms Relucio later served as member of the House of Representatives from 1998 to 2001, representing the island-province.

Here is an excerpt from Ducky Paredes’ column The Ramos Campaign Contributions, published in Malaya, 17 September 1994:

One can only sympathize with the children of Congressman Alberto Lopez (Lakas-NUCD, Iloilo) who stands accused of concubinage.

The most disturbing story is not that Albertito fell out of love of his first wife Angeline Mejia a.k.a. Chona and fell in love and lived with Imelda Relucio a.k.a. Emily (who, by the way, is the appointed Governor of Guimaras). What a man does with his life is his own business and, certainly, it is not for anyone to question another’s taste, specially in women, or men, as the case may be.

What is disturbing about the story as it unfolds about this public man from a political and financially well-to-do family who could be aspiring for the Senate in May 1995 is the way that he treats his own flesh and blood.

Apparently, the reason why the concubinage charge was made was that the man had conveniently forgotten his first family.

In fact, when one of the children, Cecille, took sick and needed funds for emergency treatment, Albertito, the father, refused to help. He needed the money for his campaign, he told them. And, besides, she was certain to die anyway so that whatever money was spent on her would only be wasted.

Not only that, when she died, he said that he did not want the remains brought to Manila since that might embarrass Emily. Why it would is unclear since everyone in Iloilo and those they need to impress in Manila already knew the continuing story of Albertito and Emily. No one would have thought anything of Albertito’s and Chona’s daughter surfacing in the public eye by dying.

And, not only that, when the obituary notice was being prepared, he told them that his name should not appear. Again, so as not to embarrass the fair Emily.

One wonders why someone so sensitive as to be hurt by such matters would think of shacking up with a married man, specially one so well-known in their common hometown? Looking at more recent events, why would a woman so easily hurt try to bribe the Malacanang Press Corps during the presidential visit to Guimaras in which everyone in the MPC was handed envelopes of money in such a gross manner.

The congressman is an acquaintance of whom I never really thought much of. From that position of non-prestige, he has fallen (in my eyes) even further. As a father myself, I cannot imagine anyone turning his back on his own children. Albertito’s father, the former Vice President Fernando Lopez was, if nothing else, a kind man and one who had a great respect for family values.

Further blogger sayeth naught.

5 Responses to “Blast from the (Lopez) past”

• 1
  greg santillan
  March 24th, 2008 18:12

  “What a man does with his life is his own business and, certainly, it is not for anyone to question another’s taste, specially in women, or men, as the case may be.”

  this statement is simply absurd, how could he serve the people faithfully if you cant even be faithful to your wife.
• 2
  teresa
  March 24th, 2008 18:21

  what a pity? He wasn’t able to face and live up his identity & role as a man and father - what more of a public servant? No wonder, CELINE has been getting the KARMA of their dark life.A blast from the past ? Oh well, serves them right.
• 3
  emma
  March 26th, 2008 13:26

  i’ve seen celine and i actually quite admired her because she was so unpretentious (it was in a public place). and i’ve actually read the blog of the australian guy. personally, reading between the lines - the way i understand it, it was simply a way of revenge by a brokenhearted person left by his lover.

  just a thought …
• 4
  Ramon
  April 4th, 2008 19:45

  There are more pressing matters happening in Iloilo right now.. like stopping the coal plant and mitigating climate change!

  Enough of the Lopez family. Enough talk about Celine.

  - Responsible Ilonggos for Sustainable Energy (RISE)

  ———————————-
  Admin’s Reply: Why don’t you write about these “pressing matters” Ramon? We will gladly post your articles here. Just email them to admin[at]iloiloviews[dot].com. Thanks!
• 5
  donna
  April 14th, 2008 11:02

  Emily Relucio along with her gremlins celine relucio and albertito relucio must know where they should stand… the nerve of this KABIT to own the LOPEZ name and for what??? To shame the name of Don Fernando Lopez and the whole Lopez Clan??? Imagine how her gremlins brag about their power and weallth when they should just have been a kept family??? ok na nga sana eh if Celine is a mega star na well bred and may K e di may pambawi sana sa kahihiyan ng kaniyang ina…eh kaso hindi naman…puro kahihiyan at pagkakalat lang din ang alam…whatever happened na ba sa concubinage case of this emily relucio??? dapat mahatulan yan ng hindi pamarisan…

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