A National Assembly of Filipino legislators had just convened in Manila under Senate President Manuel Quezon, of Partido Nacionalista. New technologies were spurring changes in traditional sugar regions. Among the young entrepreneurs caught up in the modernization tide was Eugenio “Eñing” Lopez, 28. Iloilo, as all other cities, had a seamy side. A Chinese mestizo named Luis Sañe, alias Sualoy, operated jueteng with impunity. Bribes to civilian and police officials exempted him from law enforcement.
Walong dekada noon nang unang magtunggali ang pamilya Lopez at Arroyo. Taon 1929 sa Iloilo City binuhay ni Eugenio “Eñing” Lopez, 28, ang diyaryo El Tiempo ng yumaong ama.