TIGBATAS HISTORY
As early as 1930, the split between Senator Jose C. Altavas and his erstwhile political protégé President Manuel A. Roxas became apparent.
Also, the Nacionalista’s hegemony at the national level was beginning to crack due to political differences on the outcome of the Independence mission particularly the Ox-Rox (Osmeña-Roxas) mission to the United States wherein Senate President Manuel L. Quezon and his allies rebuked the Hare-Hawes Cutting Law and it peaked into a show down during the 1934 legislative elections.
In 1931, Senator Altavas led a group that established a local party, Partido Nacionalista Guerra Patriotica. It was headed by Dr. Rafael S. Tombukon against Speaker Manuel A. Roxas’ Partido Nacionalista Democrata Pro-Independencia (NDPI).
The rivalry became eminent during the June 1931 legislative elections, Senator Altavas fielded his 19-year-old son Plaridel Laserna Altavas against Roxas. Tumbukon ran for Capiz 3rd District but Rufino L. Garde, an ally of Roxas was proclaimed as winner.
Prior to the 1934 election year, in January 23, 1933, Rep. Rufino L. Garde, an ally of Roxas, was unseated, after he lost in a recount to Rep. Rafael S. Tumbokon. Months later, Senate President Manuel L. Quezon were able to unseat Roxas as House Speaker and placed Quintin Paredes.
This was Quezon’s revenge on Roxas and Osmeña who was instructed not to proceed with HHC law and wait for US President Franklin D. Roosevelt to assume office to negotiate for a better law.
It was during that election year when Capiz was divided into Pro-Hare-Hawes Cutting (HHC) led by ex-Speaker Manuel A. Roxas, 2nd District Rep Jose A. Dorado, Democrata Provincial Chairman Cornelio T. Villareal Sr., Senator Ludovico Hidrosollo and 3rd District Congressional candidate Juan M. Reyes, while the Anti-HHC was led by ex-Senator Jose C. Altavas, former Judge of the First Instance Gervacio Diaz, ex-Senator Antonio V. Belo, 3rd District Rep. Rafael Tumbokon and Democrata (Anti Wing) leader Josefino Tirol.
Former Senator Jose Altavas ran as the gubernatorial candidate of the coalition of Partido Nacionalista Democratico (Anti) and Partido Nacionalista Guerra Patriotica, against Governor Gabriel K. Hernandez, of Partido Nacionalista Democrata Pro-Independencia (Pro).
Although the Antis had 21 municipalities while the Pros only had six municipalities, Hernandez, the 28-year-old lawyer and first cousin of House Speaker Roxas defeated former Senator Altavas.
On the other hand, Roxas faced a formidable opponent who was handpicked by Senate President Manuel L. Quezon himself. In the end, Roxas emerged as victorious after he obtained 3, 136 votes while Judge Gervasio Diaz garnered 2, 056 votes.*
