Espinos prevail over Cojuangcos
LINGAYEN— Incumbent Governor Amado Espino Jr. and son, incumbent Liga ng mga Barangay provincial president Board Member Amado “Pogi” Espino III, won an overwhelming mandate against the Cojuangco couple in the May 9 polls.
The young Espino will take over as governor of Pangasinan while the governor will be the new district representative of the Fifth District. Both were proclaimed by the Provincial Board of Canvassers on May 11.
Espino III led former Fifth District Rep. Mark Cojuangco by over 201,000 votes while the governor led by 57,737 votes against incumbent Fifth District Rep. Kimi S. Cojuangco.
“As outgoing governor for the next 49 days, ako ay nagpapasalamat sa ating mga kababayan sa pagbibigay ng suporta,” said the elder Espino in a press conference held after their proclamation.
Gov. Espino said the election of his son Pogi is an indication of the people’s confidence that his son can continue what he has started in the province.
He also thanked the electorate not only for their support to him and Pogi but also to his brother, Amadeo, as re-elected Bautista mayor; to his youngest son, Jumel as re-elected Bugallon mayor, to his nephew, Joseph Espino, as Bautista vice mayor; and to his partymate, re-elected Vice Gov. Jose Ferdinand Calimlim.
The outgoing governor said he and his family will lead efforts for reconciliation with their political opponents and wished for everyone to forget all that took place during the campaign.
He noted, “Let’s leave it all behind. Let’s move on… at balikan ang pagmamahal sa lalawigan.”
As an incoming congressman, the governor said his legislative agenda will focus on agriculture and development of tourism.
Meanwhile, the incoming governor vowed to continue his father’s legacy in different sectors of governance as agriculture, tourism and culture, health care, and education.
Like his father, he urged people to leave the politics behind.
“Nagsalita na ang probinsya. Tapos na ang pulitika,” he said.
He described his latest political bout as “a well-fought battle” against his godfather. (Johanne Macob)
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