BMs, mayors lead exodus to NPC
NEW DOMINANT POLITICAL PARTY
LINGAYEN –The Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) now dominates politics in Pangasinan following the mass exodus to the party of former stalwarts of the Lakas-CMD-Kampi last April 23.
Governor Amado Espino Jr., who joined NPC two months ago, called the NPC “the only party with principle based on loyalty and unity”.
Espino, however, clarified that although they are now with NPC, they remain supportive of President Benigno Aquino III who belongs to the Liberal Party.
The first batch of NPC affiliates include Board Members Raul Sison, Von Mark Mendoza, Amadeo T. Espino, Salvador Perez, Jr., and Napoleon Fontelera, 16 mayors, six vice mayors and two new faces, Junel Anthony Espino, the youngest son of the governor, and Atty. Angel Baniqued, Jr., son of Board Member Angel Baniqued, an NPC member.
The 16 mayors are Alfonso Celeste, Bolinao; Aldrin Cerdan, Anda; Jose Pajeta, Agno; Carlitos Reyes, Mabini; Alberto Guiang, Burgos; Ruperto Martinez, Infanta; Noel Nacar, Dasol; John Rodney Arcinue, Sual; Ernesto Castaneda, Lingayen; Eduardo Ballesteros, Aguilar; Lorenzo Cerezo, Binmaley; Maximo Calimlim, Mapandan; Mark Roy Macanlalay, Calasiao; Jullier Resuello, San Carlos City; Artemio Chan, Pozorrubio; and Silverio Alarcio, Laoac.
The six vice mayors are Filipina Rivera, Bani; Manuel Rivera, Dasol; Reynaldo Reyes, Pozorrubio; Wilson Rosete, Agno; Virgilio Vallarta, Infanta; and Alimar Briana, Mabini.
Former First District Representative Arthur F. Celeste of Alaminos City and Facundo Palafox of Bani likewise took their oath.
Speaking during the party oath-taking of the first batch of Pangasinan officials and political leaders before Batangas Rep. Mark Leandro Mendoza Jr., NPC secretary-general, Espino noted that NPC was in fact his first party but he moved when the founding chairman, Ambassador Eduardo Cojuangco, took a leave of absence.
Espino was with NPC when he served two terms as a congressional representative.
However, the governor ran under the banner of the Lakas-KAMPI in the 2010 election. He won his first term as governor in 2007 under KAMPI and endorsed by the NPC at that time.
Espino said, “NPC is a great fraternity with aspiration to promote the betterment of condition of every Filipino.”
NPC representative and former 5th District Representative Mark Cojuangco welcomed back Espino to the party saying, “NPC is a party whose sights are set on practicality not seen in other parties”.
Members of NPC are “dependent in identity and independent in thought,” Cojuangco added.
Cojuangco was earlier rumored to be eyeing the governorship of Pangasinan, but his welcoming Espino back to the NPC appears to be an indication that he will not run for the post. Espino has one term left and he is expected to seek a reelection in 2013.
Espino said there are more officials and political leaders of Pangasinan that will affiliate with the NPC soon.
The ceremony was witnessed by Valenzuela Representative Rex Gatchalian, NPC spokesperson, Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim Jr., and Abono Partylist Representative Robert Estrella Jr.
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