FORMER Pangasinan Fifth District Congressman Mark Cojuangco said he could not believe that a simple announcement of candidacy would cause Gov. Amado Espino Jr.  so much aggravation.

Cojuangco was reacting to a press statement issued by Espino, who resigned from the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), together with his sons Bugallon Mayor Jumel Espino and Board Member Amado “ Pogi” Espino III and his brother, Bautista Mayor Amadeo Espino, that accompanied their joint resignation letter addressed to NPC President Georgidi B. Aggabao, that said “As elected leader of the entire province of Pangasinan, the undersigned Governor finds it grossly improper, and totally out of place, to announce political preferences, or to actively take part in any partisan activity, at this point in time when the next elections, in May 2016, are still a long way to go.”

The letter added that “there is a proper time to do it especially the incumbent officials who are sworn to serve everyone, regardless of political affiliations.”

To which Cojuangco posed the queries: Is it “partisan activity” to inform the people that I am running for governor in 2016? Is it “grossly improper” to introduce myself to our province mates?”
He added, “From what I know, this is called “freedom of speech” and “freedom of expression.”

“The good Governor should not criticize the party because the Nationalist People’s Coalition was shelter for him when he needed shelter; it welcomed and was kind to him,” Cojuangco said.  “It seems that the good Governor now has other needs. The least he should say is “Thank you”,” he added

Meanwhile, Engr. Rosendo So, a close ally of Cojuangco and spokesman of the NPC in Pangasinan, refuted the governor’s claim of  “non-political activities of the governor’s son.  “Although the next political exercise is still two years away but wherever you go Board Member Pogi has been undeniably going around,” So said.

“We want transparency. They really must declare what they really are up to so that the people will not be confused about their real intent,” So said.

So said Espino’ approval of his son’s gubernatorial ambition “is actually a welcome move so at least people now know what’s their direction.”

He said the NPC through Cojuangco went all out in supporting the governor at the time he was “in dire need of assistance” since it was a known fact that President Aquino was not in good terms with Espino. “We defended him and stood by his side although his opponent then was with the LP which is the President’s political party,” So said.

So said the NPC is sad that Espino has left the party but he added they would respect his decision. (Tita Roces)

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