LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines – A son and brother of re-elected Gov. Amado Espino Jr. won the mayoral posts in Bugallon and Bautista towns, respectively.
Jumel Anthony Espino, the governor’s youngest son, became the youngest mayor of the province, defeating two opponents with more than 15,000 votes.
“It’s such a nice feeling and a big relief to our family because we survived the pains inflicted to us the past six months,†the young Espino told The STAR.
He will replace Mayor Rodrigo Orduña, who filed a plunder case against the governor before the Office of the Ombudsman for allegedly receiving millions of pesos in jueteng money.
Orduña won as vice mayor.
Board member Amadeo Espino, youngest brother of the governor, will replace his nephew, outgoing Mayor Amado Espino III.
Amadeo said his and his team’s victory vindicated the governor from the issues raised against him during the campaign period.
Aside from the plunder case, the Department of Justice also filed a murder case against the governor and re-elected first district Rep. Jesus Celeste for allegedly plotting the murder of their political ally, Infanta Mayor Ruperto Martinez, in December.
Espino and Celeste denied the charges.