Espino’s son to seek P’sinan top post in 2016

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines – The office of Gov. Amado Espino Jr. yesterday confirmed that his son and namesake, Amado “Pogi” Espino III, will run as governor against Rep. Mark Cojuangco in the 2016 elections.

In a text message, the provincial information office headed by Orpheus Velasco, told local journalists the governor – who is on his third and final term – has allowed his son to run for governor. 

“BM Pogi, as Pangasinan’s chief executive, will surely perpetuate the progress and brand of good governance of the Espino administration,” the message said.

The younger Espino is a member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan representing the provincial federation of the Liga ng mga Barangay. He was a three-term mayor of Bautista town.

The formal announcement of his gubernatorial bid is yet to be made, the governor earlier told The STAR.

Cojuangco, a son of Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) founder Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco, announced his gubernatorial bid in February this year.

He has been courting mayors and local leaders to support him. Last week, nine mayors from the province’s first district declared their support for him.

The governor said he respects the mayors’ decision.

Reports said majority of the mayors in Pangasinan who are NPC members favor Cojuangco.

This reportedly does not bother the younger Espino, who is banking on the support of his fellow barangay captains. Lately, he has been often seen at various events, making some quarters conclude that he is indeed being groomed to be his father’s successor.

The Espinos were quiet until the confirmation came out yesterday.

Cojuangco was also a three-term congressman and part of his turf was Bautista, the hometown of the Espinos, who are also members of the NPC.