Qualification, not birthplace, is the issue
COJUANGCO UPDATES
TAKE it from no less than Alaminos City Mayor Arthur Celeste: Being not from a certain place is a non-issue. It’s the qualifications, experience, dedication and commitment to serve that matter for a candidate to win, like for the gubernatorial post.
Celeste, speaking before majority of Pangasinan’s elected leaders who came in droves to attend the recent general assembly of Biskeg na Pangasinan held in Sto. Tomas town at the farm of its chairman emeritus, Dangerous Drugs Board Chairman Antonio Villar Jr., said the reason why they came, aside from to personally greet Villar who celebrated his birthday a day prior to their big event and for the Biskeg to which they belong to, is to demonstrate again their unity for the gubernatorial bid of former Pangasinan fifth district Rep. Mark Cojuangco in 2016.
Celeste said the first congressional district led by his brother, Rep. Jesus “Boying” Celeste, is unwavering in its support for Cojuangco.
Alaminos City Mayor Arthur Celeste (white t-shirt) shares a light moment with Secretary Antonio Villar, Jr. (center) and former Pangasinan fifth district Rep. Mark Cojuangco.
He said he feels for Cojuangco who has been subject of criticisms by his detractors from the opposite camp.
“Who owns Pangasinan? It’s not us politicians, but the Pangasinenses and we have the right to choose who we think is the worthy leader,” he said.
“To say that Pangasinan is not for sale and to insinuate we had been bought is a big insult,” Celeste added.
He said Cojuangco is merely showing this early how determined and serious he is as a candidate. “When he organizes a medical mission, is that buying our votes? What’s wrong with introducing yourself in the first district with help to offer the people?,” he asked.
He lauded Cojuangco for sharing his personal funds, his blessings unlike someone whom he did not identify, who gives but asks recipients to sign vouchers.
Celeste said Cojuangco is not imposing himself “ (but) he is merely introducing himself and tells the people he wants to give a try (for the gubernatorial post)”.
He said in the first district, his constituents go for Cojuangco because of his “experience and qualifications” and they believe he can deliver the services he promises to the people.
“What’s wrong with that?,” Celeste asked.
Alaminos City Mayor Arthur Celeste (wearing sunglasses) with former Fifth District Rep. Mark Cojuangco (standing beside him) and Calasiao Mayor Mark Roy Macanlalay, Cojuangco’s tandem, join a group flashing a thumbs up sign.
Celeste said the place where a prospective candidate was born, is a non-issue. “How can they say that he (Cojuangco) is a non-Pangasinense when he had served for nine years as congressman?,” he said.
In a lighter vein, he cracked a joke on the former congressman about his good looks, being mistaken as an American. His claim “I am confident that our candidate is good-looking,” elicited laughter from his fellow leaders.
Celeste noted that he, too, has become the subject of malicious text blasts by people who obviously belong to the other camp. He said even newsmen are not spared from the mudslinging.
Celeste cited himself as an example, when his detractors tried to raise the issue of his being a non-Alaminian. The Celestes hail from Bolinao town.
But when he was elected, he said he proved his critics wrong when he made major transformations in Alaminos City that have since drawn praises from residents and visitors.
“We are here to declare and to affirm our total support for Congressman Mark Cojuangco for governor in 2016,” Celeste said.
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