THE ruling Lakas party in Pangasinan is in rocky waters.

Vice Governor Oscar Lambino, Lakas provincial chairman, and several local officials have raised their voice of disapproval against Governor Victor Agbayani’s “indiscriminate recruitment of new Lakas party members” whom they suspect will be fielded to run against incumbent administration party members.

Lambino, in a press conference Wednesday night, showed to local newsmen his authorization to recruit new members and to sign the certificate of nomination and acceptance of Lakas party provincial candidates.

Lambino tagged Agbayani, Lakas provincial co-chairman, as “only my co-pilot” but deplored the governor’s sudden recruiting spree without consulting him.

For his part, Agbayani defended his act saying he is trying to strengthen the party because Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino party has been raiding Lakas and Lakas should defend itself.

He added that Lambino knew about the first batch of new recruits he initiated in the first district and what he did later was just a continuation.

“There’s nothing wrong with the recruitment but if you are recruiting members who will run against incumbent party members, then that’s foul,” Lambino said.

San Carlos City Mayor Julian Resuello, Calasiao Mayor Roy Macanlalay, Malasiqui Mayor Alfonso Soriano and former Sta. Barbara Mayor Lito Zaplan representing his wife, Mayor Jeanne Jinky Zaplan, shared the sentiments of Lambino.

They said they will denounce Agbayani’s indiscriminate recruitment and are prepared to send a signed manifesto to the Lakas hierarchy stating their stand.

“This is a problem because Lakas is being divided in Pangasinan. The national leadership must resolve it the soonest possible time because time is running out,” Macanlalay said.

Philanthropist Rosemarie “Baby” Arenas, whose daughter Rachel is eyeing the 3rd district congressional seat, joined the mayors in airing their sentiments. The young Arenas, who had affiliated with Lakas long time ago through Lambino, was surprised when Agbayani swore in her rival, lawyer Gallant Soriano as Lakas member.

Agbayani said he believes that dialogues can still be held and he expressed optimism that the issue can be settled.—EVA

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