Esperon accepts defeat, but…
LINGAYEN–Former Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Hermogenes Esperon Jr., who ran against Vice Gov. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas for the 6th District congressional seat, has conceded but says his battle is not over.
Esperon said he is calling for an audit of the tobacco excise tax, which he claims to have been misused in the election campaign, not only in Pangasinan, but also in all towns in the country that received parts of the P 12.3B excise tax fund.
“I also decry the use of the tobacco excise tax for campaigning. This was supposed to benefit our farmers and their families. Overpriced fertilizer, sprayers and other projects became giveaways and tools to directly influence the election results,” Esperon said.
Esperon did not explicitly name Agabas, but she nonetheless responded to clear her name.
“Everyone, and the public knows that it is I who has the capability to do all those things he alleged… As for the tobacco excise tax, I have no role in the use, allocation and disbursement of those fund,” Agabas said.
Esperon also denounced the alleged “massive vote buying and bullying of barangay folks” in the district during the campaign period.
Based on the unofficial election tally of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas issued at 12:03 p.m. on Thursday, Esperon had 73,671 votes, while Agabas got 99,819.
Esperon won only in his hometown Asingan and lost heavily in nine other towns of the district.
In a statement emailed to reporters, Esperon thanked all those who voted for him.
“As I close this chapter in my journey, I wish to thank all those who have wholeheartedly supported me, those who tirelessly sacrificed, and the ones who became my running mates in the different towns,” he said.
“I may not have garnered enough votes to win, but I hope I have contributed to the debate on what is best for our people,” Esperon, who also former Presidential Management Staff chief,
Meanwhile, Agabas also thanked her supporters for their “trust and support”.
“May we all start working together toward the progress of the sixth district of Pangasinan and of our province,” she said.
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
