Pangasinan LP to expel Shahani

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines – The Liberal Party (LP) in Pangasinan is bent on expelling from its rank sixth district board member Ranjit Shahani for allegedly committing “acts treasonous to the party.”

Former vice governor Oscar Lambino, LP Pangasinan spokesman, told The STAR yesterday that Shahani allegedly tried to bribe them in exchange for switching their support to Gov. Amado Espino Jr., of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC).

“This is the last straw,” Lambino said adding Shahani is campaigning even outside his district in favor of Espino.

The LP has delayed its reported expulsion move against Shahani, a cousin of Alaminos City Mayor and LP gubernatorial bet Hernani Braganza, in deference to his mom, former senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani and uncle, former President Fidel Ramos.

The board member started to criticize LP Pangasinan stalwarts including Braganza after he failed to get the LP nomination for his vice gubernatorial bid.

“His support for Espino is obviously his way of getting back at his cousin and the LP,” Lambino said.

He said expelling Shahani from the LP was the common sentiment aired by their colleagues during an emergency meeting last Wednesday.

The meeting was actually meant as a loyalty check after Espino’s camp issued a statement saying 17 LP mayoral bets in Pangasinan have allegedly jumped ship.

Asked about the planned expulsion move against him, Shahani said: “I will be expelled from the party but I will fall into the hands of Pangasinenses.”

“This is war,” he added.