BAUTISTA–If elections were held today, Second district Rep. Amado Espino Jr. would be gunning for the gubernatorial seat.

Espino, Ilocos regional and provincial chairman of KAMPI party, told local newsmen that seeking re-election as congressman for the third time is his second option and running for governor is his first option.

He said he will officially announce his preference before the end of this year but indicated that in all likelihood he will run for governor.

The congressman said he has set his sights on strengthening the KAMPI party in the province and is campaigning for membership of elected officials in every town and city.

Governor Victor Agbayani is now in his third term and his wife, Dr. Jaime Eloise Agbayani is being eyed by the governor’s supporters to take a crack at the post that will be vacated by her husband.

With the exit of Agbayani, Vice Governor Oscar Lambino (who is also in his third term), Espino and Agbayani are expected to slug it out in the gubernatorial derby next year.

National Irrigation Administration Arturo Lomibao was earlier reported to have expressed interest in joining the fray but Espino said it would not happen. The other would-be candidates are Congressmen Arthur Celeste (1st District) and Mark Cojuangco (6th District) but talks of their entries into the race have faded over the past weeks. 

“We will not fight each other. I am sure of that.” Espino said.

“Espino also expressed confidence that both KAMPI Pangasinan congressmen, Celeste and Generoso Tulagan (3rd District), will support him in his bid.

Asked why he’s aspiring to be governor, Espino said, “I hope I could also do something for the province.” — EVA

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