THE governor’s son, Mayor Amado Espino III of Bautista town, cannot run as a congressional representative as rumored because he failed to beat the one-year residency requirement for a candidate where he seeks to run for an elective post prior for the next polls.

Lawyer Jenifer Balarbar, officer-in-charge provincial election supervisor (PES) of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Pangasinan office, told The PUNCH that Espino, nicknamed “Pogi”, son of Gov. Amado Espino Jr., has not sought a transfer of his voter’s registration.

“Per my verification with the election officers in the third district, so far wala naman daw record for request for transfer si Mayor Amado Espino III,” Balarbar said.

Espino, who is now on his third and final term as mayor, is reportedly eyeing a congressional seat in the May 13, 2013 elections in the 3rd District, which is currently held by Rep. Ma. Rachel Arenas, who is touted as a shoo-in for her third term next year.

However, Balarbar pointed out that if Espino decided to file his certificate of candidacy (COC) for congress, it is the Comelec en banc that will settle questions about his qualification since the PES’ role is merely “ministerial”.

“We do not have discretion to reject any candidate’s COC as it is up to the Comelec en banc in Manila to settle any legal implications should somebody question it,” she said.

“So for now, he (Espino) remains a registered voter of Bautista,” Balarbar said.

The young Espino was reportedly building a house in nearby Bayambang town, which is part of the 3rd District, in preparation for his congressional candidacy.—Eva Visperas

Back to Homepage

 

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments