Popular Pangasinan mayor opts not to run vs Agbayani

CALASIAO, Pangasinan — Citing the need to preserve unity in the province, a town mayor made a sacrifice when he finally decided not to run against incumbent Gov. Victor Agbayani despite getting overwhelming support from local political leaders for his possible candidacy.

Sto. Tomas Mayor Antonio Villar Jr. announced his decision in a joint press conference with Agbayani at 4 p.m. the other day, or eight hours before the deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy for the May 10 polls.

With Villar no longer joining the gubernatorial derby, Agbayani’s bid for a third and last term is virtually assured, political observers said.

The two other gubernatorial contenders — Marietta Primicias-Goco and Juan Siapno — pose no threat to Agbayani, they said.

Villar said, "My decision not to run for governor has taken many people by surprise since as they say my (chances) of winning would have been high."

He added that his decision to stay away from the gubernatorial race has something to do with the good relations his father, the late former congressman Antonio Villar Sr., had with Agbayani’s father, the later former governor Aguedo Agbayani, during their long years in public service.

"They were the best allies during their time. Lakay Aguedo treated me like his own son. Victor and I are also good friends. I wouldn’t want politics to destroy our relationship," Villar said.

He said he would like to set an example of sacrificing many things, even personal aggrandizement, to preserve unity in Pangasinan.

For his part, Agbayani hailed the decision of Villar, considered a "godfather" of many local politicians, as a patriotic move.

"With unity, we can move faster and farther toward development," he said. "Manong Bebot did not ask for anything. This is a historic day for unity in Pangasinan."

Pressed if any deal was forged, Agbayani said, "Please let us not diminish the meaning of this act of sacrifice by those malicious intrigues. You should be proud of your leaders in Pangasinan. Walang ganyang nangyari. Napakalinis ng objectives dito (No such things occurred. The objectives here are very pure)."

This was attested by Urdaneta City Mayor Amadeo Perez Jr., in whose house Agbayani and Villar first met on Jan. 3.

Villar said he would just remain a private citizen since his wife, Vivien, who once served as Sto. Tomas mayor for three successive terms, is seeking the mayoral post again.