Tulagan breaks ‘jinx’in P’sinan third district

SAN CARLOS CITY, Pangasinan — Never before had a congressman been elected for three consecutive terms in the province’s third district. Now, the so-called "jinx" has been broken.

This, as third district Rep. Generoso Tulagan, fondly called "Kaaron (Friend) Gener," is now clinching a clear and wide margin over his two opponents, retired general Orlando Soriano and Generoso Mamaril.

Prior to the elections, residents and Tulagan’s opponents had cast doubts if Tulagan would be the man to break the record in the third district.

"They say it’s a jinx. But the people have spoken and maybe it was really my destiny," Tulagan told The STAR.

As of 10 p.m. Tuesday, Tulagan was winning in this city and in the towns of Calasiao, Mapandan, Sta. Barbara , Malasiqui, Mapandan and Bayambang.

"I did not expect this (victory), especially because one supporter of my opponent is very rich," Tulagan said.

In April, Tulagan’s police bo-dyguard was shot dead.

He said he is extending the hand of reconciliation to his rivals and to those who did not support him.

"Let’s just think about the welfare of the people," he said.

He also appealed to his rivals to refrain from spreading false information. The other day, text messages claiming that Tulagan was shot dead, circulated.