It’s Cong. Mark vs. Kap. Pogi

By August 4, 2014Headlines, News

GOV. ESPINO CONFIRMED

LINGAYEN—The question: Will “Pogi” run for Pangasinan governor in 2016?

Governor Espino’s answer: “It’s a go for Pogi (Espino)”.  The consequence: Political lines within NPC are drawn.

This is the new political scenario in the province after Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr.finally broke his self-imposed silence on that question about his plans for his son Pogi that nagged him since former fifth district congressman Mark Cojuangco announced his gubernatorial bid on February 10.

Pogi is the nickname of Governor Amado Espino Jr’s son and namesake, Amado Espino III, a board member representing the provincial federation of the Liga ng mga Barangay.

To many, the governor’s terse reply finally sets the stage for a political battle that will pit two political giants who were once close allies that successfully reversed the political fortunes of many political families that ruled the province.

The governor, in a talk Wednesday with The PUNCH and 5 other reporters in Urduja House made the unexpected announcement since a few days earlier, Espino had refused to comment on the reported support of mayors in the first district to Cojuangco, reiterating his stance “not to talk politics.’

CARTOONnews 140803The Espinos earlier kept their silence about political plans for Pogi for several months, maintaining “it’s still a long time to go yet before the next elections and everyone must focus on work first.”

But Espino’s statement actually only affirmed what has been persistently circulating around the province that his son Pogi will throw his hat in the 2016 gubernatorial race when he finishes his three successive term as governor.

The governor said a formal announcement and launch will be set soon.

COJUANGCO’S MOVE

It will be recalled that after Cojuangco announced his gubernatorial plan in February, he said his declaration was not early since he needs time to go around the province to solicit support. He said he did this when he first ran as congressman.

Cojuangco’s announcement surprised many local political leaders who have since become torn between him and Espino who are both NPC partymates. Espino is the governor while Cojuangco is the Nationalist People’s Coalition  (NPC) provincial chairman.

About 85 percent of Pangasinan mayors belong to NPC.

Cojuangco has since making the rounds in Pangasinan, courting mayors’ and other local leaders’ support for his bid.

Cojuangco, son of NPC founder, former ambassador Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco, was reportedly elated with the result of his ardent wooing of Pangasinan leaders.

Earlier, Espino said he respects the mayors’ decision and affirmed that they will remain friends.

Pogi was a three-term mayor of Bautista town while Cojuangco was also a three-term congressman whose turf included Bautista, the Espinos’ hometown.

Cojuangco’s wife, Kimi, is the incumbent congresswoman while Bautista is being led by the governor’s brother, Amadeo as mayor. (Tita Roces)

GUV: FOCUS ON WORK, NOT POLITICS

SAN CARLOS CITY—Days before Gov. Amado T. Espino finally confirmed his plans for his son Amado “Pogi” Espino III, he maintained his “no politics” stance even after he was confronted with media reports about some 9 mayors pledging their support to former fifth district congressman Mark Cojuangco’s bid for the gubernatorial post in 2016.

Espino remained adamant in refusing to join the fray.

When asked by the local media for his reaction to the reported move of nine mayors in the first district to support Cojuangco’s candidacy, he quipped, “This is a free country…I have nothing against that, talagang ganun.”

SAN-CARLOS-CITY

Noong February pa ‘yan, masyadong maaga naman, sa national office nga wala pang nag-a-announce,” added Espino after the groundbreaking ceremony for the P50-million two-storey building at the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital (PPH) last July 28.

“Too early for politics…we still have a long way to go. To continue working for the benefit of our constituents is the best thing that we should do now,” the governor said.

Espino said he was not surprised because the mayors in the first district are NPC members, which means they have to support NPC candidates.

“At hopefully natapos na ‘yan, they have voiced their opinion, sana magtrabaho na. Kayod na muna tayo,” he added to remind incumbent elected officials to remain focused on their work.

They are my mayors, I am their governor. Malaking bagay ang magagawa namin for our constituencies if we work together,” he said. “Let us work first and face politics later because the filing of candidacy is still in October of 2015,” he intoned as he clarified that the nine local chief executives remain his friends and holds nothing against them. (Johanne R. Macob)

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