Agbayani quits as Braganza’s campaign manager

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines – Former governor Victor Agbayani is quitting as campaign manager of Alaminos City Mayor Hernani Braganza in the gubernatorial race, saying that the “best campaign manager is the candidate himself.” 

Agbayani said though he will remain as provincial chairman of the Liberal Party (LP) under whose banner Braganza is running for governor against re-electionist Gov. Amado Espino Jr.

This was contrary to reports circulating in the province that Agbayani had abandoned Braganza and the LP. 

“I was always the campaign manager whenever I ran,” said Agbayani, a former three-term governor, congressman and assemblyman.

“I will just support him (Braganza). It’s his show,” he said.

Agbayani said he made the decision, as he and Braganza have different strategies “and if I recommend something that is not his style, we will just be at odds.”

“It should be the candidate to decide on what manner of campaign should be adopted,” he added.

Agbayani said he is not bowing out of politics but will still take an active role in the LP campaign, as party leaders in the province still rely on him. “I will still be around,” he added.

Agbayani lost to Espino in the 2010 gubernatorial race.