Espino hits Mark C for “toilet paper” tag

By September 15, 2014Headlines, News

LINGAYEN –Apparently, Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. is not one to turn his back on a challenge when his official acts are questioned, even if it calls for him to go back on his word not to talk about politics.

A visibly irked Gov. Espino said he refuses to debate with a civilian, referring to former Pangasinan fifth district Rep. Mark Cojuangco, “on an issue that should not be an issue.”

The governor was referring to the controversial tree cutting along the Manila North Road (MNR) being espoused by Cojuangco.

In an interview with the local media last Friday (September 12) at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center, Espino said he has been keeping his silence on political issues as he had promised, and to remain focused on his job as Governor before anything else.

But when former congressman Mark Cojuangco dismissed the agreement signed by and between representatives of the province, the DENR, DPWH, and the environmental advocacy groups, to implement the common directive against the cutting of trees along the Manila North Road, as a “piece of toilet paper,” Espino said he felt offended and decided to finally break his silence.

Espino said, “My stand is, it is not necessary to cut trees because there is another road being done there parallel to the Tarlac-Pangasinan-Expressway (TPLEX) that exits to Rosario (La Union).”

Espino said he is not running away from a debate or anything and advised Cojuangco” to admit it is wrong to cut those trees, period”. He said he is the sitting governor while Cojuangco is a civilian.

Offhand, he said he felt offended by the remarks of Cojuangco which showed his disrespect and low regard for the provincial legislature, other government agencies and the officials of the province.

The agreement, signed by representatives from DENR, DPWH, provincial government and environmental groups, was an offshoot of the Provincial Board Resolution No. 400-2014 of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan “opposing the cutting of trees along national and local roads in Pangasinan with an intent to preserve as many trees as possible.”  This was reinforced by similar directives from DENR Sec. Ramon Paje and DPWH Sec. Rogelio Singson.

On the challenge of Cojuangco to a debate, Espino said there can never be any meeting of minds since he is for the planting and preservation of trees, while Cojuangco is for the cutting of trees.  So he said “even a debate is will not resolve anything.”

The governor in his remarks also twitted Cojuangco. “As the sitting governor, I do not debate with plain citizens like Mark Cojuangco,” Espino said. “Who is he to debate with me?,” Espino told local reporters.

He said that he remains firm in his stand that there should be no cutting of trees along the Manila North Road since a super highway called TPLEX is being constructed parallel to the Manila North Road which is intended for fast lane travellers, and will absorb most of the traffic volume.

Espino and Cojuangco used to be strong political allies for several elections as they are both from the Nationalist People’s Coaliton until the former congressman announced in February his gubernatorial plan in 2016.  Espino’s term would end in 2016 and his son and name sake, Board Member Amado Espino III, also announced later his intention to run for governor in the next elections.—Tita Roces/PIO

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