Ex-Pangasinan governor endorses Espino's re-election bid

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines – Former Pangasinan governor Rafael Colet, president of the Pangasinan People Power Movement, has endorsed the candidacy of incumbent Gov. Amado Espino Jr., describing him as the “far better candidate” who can bring hope and initiate significant transformation for the province.

This developed as Espino widened further his lead over his rival, Rep. Victor Agbayani, to 70 percent, with 44 mayors pushing him to the homestretch margin.

Colet issued his endorsement of Espino’s re-election bid before members of the media at the Lenox Hotel in Dagupan City on Tuesday.

He said he formed the grassroots movement last year to search for a rightful candidate who can bring dramatic reforms in the country based on honesty, sincerity and integrity.

Colet said it was a unanimous choice among the members of his group to support and endorse the candidacy of Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III for the highest post.

“We are firm in our decision to endorse him as president of this country,” he said.

Colet also said that although their initial concentration was on the national scene, being electorates and for love of Pangasinan, it is also the duty of the movement to come up with a “just endorsement” for local posts.

At first, Colet said, their endorsement was concentrated on Aquino’s candidacy. “I haven’t seen or talk to Gov. Espino but when I saw him on TV during the outrage of typhoon ‘Pepeng,’ ang sabi ko mukhang okay ito (I told myself this looks okay),” he said.

Although caught in a tight race, at least 20 mayoral candidates fighting in 10 of the province’s 44 towns and three cities under separate political parties are betting for an Espino win in the May 10 elections.

These are in the towns of Sta. Barbara, San Quintin, Calasiao, Urbiztondo, Bayambang, Manaoag, Dasol, Sison and Villasis, and San Carlos City.

Also strongly rooting for Espino’s re-election are three clashing mayoral bets in San Fabian, one of the province’s vote-rich towns.

Still, five unopposed mayoral candidates in Bolinao, Bugallon, Bautista, Mapandan and Sto. Tomas are expected to deliver “command votes” to ensure Espino’s retention as governor of the country’s third biggest province.

Six rival congressional bets in the second, third, fourth and sixth districts have also declared their full support for Espino.