COMELEC proclaims Espino as governor-elect of Pangasinan

Lingayen- - -With 71 percent total votes canvassed as of press time, Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. was proclaimed as the governor-elect of Pangasinan as he posted 809,165 votes against Mayor Hernani Braganza’s 280,967 earmarking an overwhelming difference of 528,198.

The governor, who is considered as a runaway winner, is serving his third term on July 1 along with Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim, Jr. who was also proclaimed by the Commission on Elections this morning with other winning candidates that include Congressman Jesus “Boying” Celeste (1^st district), Congressman Leopoldo Bataoil (2^nd district), and Cong. Carmen Kimi Cojuangco (5^th district), who was represented by former Congressman and NPC Chair Mark Cojuangco.

Gov. Espino expressed elation over his resounding victory which marks his final term as the provincial chief executive even as he thanked his supporters for believing in him and for embracing the transformation that he initiated since 2007.

The governor vowed to continue the vision he has set for Pangasinan specifically on health reform, environment protection, peace and order, tourism, agriculture and the rest of the present administration’s ten-point thrust.

It can be recalled that Gov. Espino suffered major setbacks in the last few months with charges and cases filed against him including black propaganda during the campaign period.

However, the governor called for Pangasinenses to “unite and work together” now for a more progressive province.

“I am open for reconciliation. Magtulongan na lamang tayo kagaya nga ng sinabi nila na bayan muna bago bulsa,” Gov. Espino said as he further noted that he continuously gives his full support to the mandate of President Aquino ever since the start.

“Buong-puso po akong sumusuporta sa lahat ng kanyang adhikain,” he said even as he stressed that politics must be put aside and start anew to further the cause of development for Pangasinan.

Also present during the proclamation rite was newly-elect Alaminos City Mayor Arthur F. Celeste.