Noy leads Dagupan sortie

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines – President Aquino led a proclamation rally for pro-administration senatorial candidates and local leaders here yesterday.

In his speech at the Stadia auditorium, Aquino did not criticize Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espino Jr., who belongs to the Nationalist People’s Coalition.

Joining Aquino on stage were former speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. and his wife, Pangasinan Rep. Gina de Venecia; Rep. Rachel Arenas and her mother Rosemary; and retired Philippine National Police chief Arturo Lomibao.

Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II had helped Bugallon Mayor Rodrigo Ordua file plunder charges against Espino before the Office of the Ombudsman. Ordua accused Espino of receiving P900 million in jueteng payola and coddling jueteng operators in Pangasinan.

At least 26 Pangasinan mayors have signed a manifesto expressing support for Espino.