LINGAYEN–Will love beget love when the administration Lakas-Christian Muslim Democratic (CMD) party anoints its Pangasinan gubernatorial candidate for the May elections?

Vice Governor Oscar Lambino, the province’s Lakas provincial co-chairman, in a letter dated January 22, has appealed to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for support as he reminded the Chief Executive of his love and loyalty to the ruling party.

This came amidst reports circulating in Pangasinan that a top Lakas official is favoring the candidacy of a non-Lakas member whom observers believe to be Dr. Jamie Eloise Agbayani, wife of Gov. Victor Agbayani.

The letter also bore former President Fidel Ramos’ marginal note. Part of Ramos’ note read: “Oca (Lambino’s nickname) deserves our support more than anyone–whether an old timer or newcomer. I support Oca for Governor.”

Ramos is Lakas chairman emeritus while Mrs. Arroyo is the chairman. In the 2001 and 2004 elections, Lambino said he had been Lakas’ workhorse in Pangasinan adding that he had single-handedly defended the party and the President herself during moments of crisis, particularly at the height of the “Hello Garci” controversy.

“I have always been your loyal soldier,” he said in his letter to the President. Lambino was mayor of Malasiqui town for 11 years and is now on his third and final term as vice governor.

Besides Mrs. Agbayani, the vice governor is also expected to face tough fight from other pro-administration allies like Undersecretary for Local Governance Antonio Villar Jr. and second district Rep. Amado Espino Jr.

Although Villar is confident of a lot of support from local and national leaders if he decides to bid for the post, he said he is prepared to forego his plans for the sake of unity in Pangasinan.

Meanwhile, the governor, who is also the party’s co-chairman, said in his state of the province address last week that they (Agbayanis) are still in the process of consultation with supporters regarding his wife’s possible gubernatorial bid.

Reports are rife that House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., Lakas president is leaning in favor of Agbayani’s wife but the Speaker has denied this, saying it’s still too early to endorse a candidate.–EVA

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