Pangasinan gov hits political foe over tree-cutting

LINGAYEN, Philippines – Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espino Jr. has slammed former congressman Mark Cojuangco for challenging him to a debate on the cutting of trees along the Manila North Road. 

Espino said he has always been against the cutting of trees along major roads, noting the ban is supported by the provincial government and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

He questioned Cojuangco’s right to challenge him, an elected official, to a debate.

“Who is he to debate with me?” Espino told journalists last Friday, after Cojuangco dared him to take a stand on the tree cutting that starts from Villasis to Sison towns, which are within the turf of the Cojuangcos.

Espino said it is not necessary to cut trees as there is another road being done in the area that exits to Rosario town in La Union.

The governor said he was not running away from any debate as he advised Cojuangco “to admit it is wrong to cut those trees.”

Espino deplored Cojuanco for saying that a resolution signed by the provincial board stopping the cutting of trees “is just a piece of toilet paper.”

He said he wanted to avoid controversies, but he could not allow disrespect to duly constituted authorities or attempts to discredit government policies. 

Cojuangco, however, was referring to an agreement signed last month by provincial administrator Rafael Baraan and representatives from the DENR, DPWH and non-government organizations.

Cojuangco said the agreement was not binding, as the signatories have no legal authority to speak for and in behalf of the people and the province.

Espino and Cojuangco were once political allies until the former lawmaker announced in February his plan to run for Pangasinan governor in 2016. – With Cesar Ramirez