Lingayen – The Father-and-son tandem, Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. and Amado “Pogi” Espino, III defeated the Cojuangco couple in the 2016 gubernatorial and 5th congressional district races.
Governor-elect “Pogi” Espino posted an overwhelming victory, garnering 707, 925 votes, which is 219, 163 votes higher than the 488, 762 votes received by his opponent, former 5th district representative Mark Cojuangco.
On the 5th congressional district race, outgoing Pangasinan Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. received 133,381 votes to prevail over his rival, reelectionist Kimi Cojuangco, who collected only 92,943 votes.
The provincial board of canvassers (PBOC) on Wednesday, May 11, proclaimed the young Espino as elected governor and the elder Espino as elected congressman.
Governor-elect “Pogi” Espino, in an interview after the proclamation, expressed gratitude for the trust, confidence and support of Pangasinenses which catapulted him to the province’s top post to succeed his father.
“We finish strong,” said Board Member Espino who called on for the unity of Pangasinenses to give a blast of support to the present provincial administration to “give credit to the man who transformed Pangasinan as a premiere province in the country today.”
The incoming governor likewise urged leaders in the province to “move forward for a better future,” adding that politics has already ended and it is now time for them to work hand-in-hand to elevate the province’s growth and development.
Meanwhile, Congressman-elect Espino, said he would take on “reconciliation with everyone with justice” to shed light on issues thrown at them during the campaign period.
The provincial chief executive, however, assured “he will leave all things behind and move forward” as he vowed that he will remain supportive to the provincial government to promote the best interest of Pangasinenses, particularly the younger generation.
The proclamation held at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall was conducted despite the absence of certificates of canvass (COC) from San Fabian town.
PBOC chair and provincial election supervisor Joel Gines said that even if the total votes from San Fabian was given to Cojuangco it is not enough to offset Espino’s margin. San Fabian has 46, 269 registered voters.
However, winner for the tight vice gubernatorial race between reelectionist Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim, Jr. and Calasiao Mayor Mark Macanlalay will be proclaimed as soon as all COCs will be transmitted to the PBOC.
Last Tuesday, four re-elected representatives, Jesus “Boying” Celeste (1st district), Leopoldo Bataoil (2nd district), Rose Marie Arenas (3rd district) and Marlyn Primicias Agabas (6th district) have been proclaimed.