Espino to Agbayani: Let’s debate
A PRELUDE TO 2010
The 2010 campaign period is still 5 months away but the first political salvo has already been fired between the expected contenders.
Gov. Amado Espino Jr., taking center stage Tuesday in the newly-launched Lingguhang Talakayan sa Kapitolyo, countered point-by-point the four issues raised against him by his predecessor and expected opponent in next year’s gubernatorial race.
Talking tough, Espino, who previously simply allowed his subordinates to speak on his behalf, responded to the criticisms thrown by former governor now 2nd District Rep. Victor Agbayani and challenged him to a public debate on governance.
The governor said said he is ready to face off with Agbayani in a public debate. “Why not sponsor that kahit saan,” he told the local media.
Shortly thereafter, Ruel Camba, former provincial information officer of Agbayani, who got wind of the challenge, sent a text message to The PUNCH saying the former governor has accepted the challenge to debate.
“Ok daw kay Cong Victor yung debate at proper time and venue,” the message read.
Camba also confirmed that Agbayani is bent on retaking his old seat as governor of Pangasinan but he has yet to decide on who will be his vice gubernatorial candidate be.
NO DICTATOR
An evidently furious Espino said his administration style is by no means a “dictatorship”.
“Undemocratic ba na inayos natin ang traffic dito sa Capitol? Undemocratic ba na magreport ang mga empleyado 8 to 5 at alisin yong mga nakapayroll lamang na hindi nagtatrabaho? Undemocratic ba na di dapat maglakad sa grass at may inilaang sidewalk?” he said.
He said some of his policies may be unpopular, but he insisted that his objective is to instill discipline and dedication to work among provincial government employees.
On the issue of his being unreachable at the Capitol, he said that he is always present except when he is abroad.
“I’m a 24/7 governor,” he said, adding that the “One-Day Governor” tag on his predecessor did not come from him.
“I am not saying that the past governor was a “one-day governor’, but neither do I accept that I am a ‘never-governor’,” Espino clarified.
He said that he couldn’t do Agbayani’s practice of entertaining visitors and constituents on a scheduled day during the week. Instead he said that he follows his appointments to the letter regardless of the day.
He said, “Other matters that the various departments can handle are forwarded to them.”
“I have better things to do,” he said, adding that he dislikes seeing people lining up at the governor’s office just to submit their various requests like help for the sick, donations for mono block chairs, bags of cement, etc.
“Hindi hospital ang Kapitolyo, kung may sakit dapat dalhin sa hospital,” Espino said, noting that programs are being implemented for the improvement of health services.
On the recent spate of killings, he said that the police cannot watch all 2.7 million Pangasinesnes.
“Di natin mapigilan yang pagpatay pero records will show na tahimik pa rin dito sa atin,” he said.
Espino likewise reacted negatively to the claim that he only repainted the Capitol and nearby buildings. He said that the Capitol compound has seen major improvements under him.
The Talakayan sa Kapitolyo, will become a weekly media forum to allow the provincial government to present its programs and projects.—LM
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